As the anticipation builds for the release of CFB 27, fans are buzzing about the updated roster and player ratings for the Florida Gators. EA Sports has unveiled the ratings, and unsurprisingly, Jadan Baugh tops the list with an impressive 91 overall. Following closely is transfer Eric Singleton Jr., who boasts a 90 overall rating, adding significant firepower to the Gators' lineup.
However, the defensive side of the ball presents an intriguing twist. While much of the offseason chatter centered around key players like Myles Graham, Jayden Woods, and standout Cormani McClain, it's Bryce Thornton who emerges as Florida's top-rated defender in CFB 27. Tied for the third-highest rating on the team with Vernell Brown III, Thornton's 87 overall rating might catch some by surprise.
Thornton's journey to this recognition is a testament to his growth and perseverance. Arriving at Florida as a four-star recruit, he initially faced challenges, particularly with tackling, evidenced by a missed-tackle rate exceeding 20% during his first two seasons.
Yet, last year marked a turning point. Thornton slashed his missed-tackle rate to 10% and amassed 56 total tackles, showcasing marked improvement in his pass coverage with six pass deflections and a crucial interception against Kentucky.
His standout performance came in the season finale against FSU. While Jadan Baugh's exploits grabbed headlines, Thornton quietly demonstrated his potential impact under Ron Roberts' defensive scheme.
Unleashed from his usual deep coverage duties, Thornton recorded three quarterback pressures, a sack, a forced fumble, and four defensive stops. It was a glimpse of the dynamic playmaker he could become.
If Thornton can channel the energy and skill he displayed against FSU throughout the 2026 season, he might just become the hidden gem of the Florida roster, shining brightly in EA Sports' latest installment. The stage is set for Thornton to transform potential into consistent performance, offering Gators fans plenty to be excited about this season.
In Other News...
Jalen Brewster Recruitment Puts Floridas Biggest Concern Back In Focus
The pursuit of Jalen Brewster is a useful reminder of where Florida still has work to do on the recruiting trail. The five-star defensive lineman from Texas is one of the most coveted prospects in the 2027 cycle, and his involvement has again put the Gators in the conversation for elite defensive talent even as the program tries to build around a class that remains near the top nationally.
Florida has held onto the roster pieces it wanted to keep and has already stacked enough commitments to stay in the top five, but the bigger test is whether that momentum can keep carrying into the kind of battles that usually decide championship ceilings. Brewster is only the latest example of how much harder it has become to win those fights consistently, and the next stretch of recruiting will say a lot about whether Florida can keep pushing into that tier. [Read more 🡒]
Florida Just Emerged In A Huge SEC Battle For Power Bat
Naulivou Lauaki Jr. spent his freshman season at Oregon showing why power bats are always in demand, putting together a loud offensive line that put him firmly on the radar as a transfer portal name worth tracking. The infielder hit .321 with 14 home runs and gave the Ducks a middle-of-the-order presence, production that naturally started drawing attention from programs looking to add impact offense for the next round of SEC play.
Now the focus shifts to where Lauaki lands next, and Florida is in the middle of a high-profile recruiting fight with two other league rivals for his services. The Gators have made it into the picture as Lauaki weighs his options, but his decision remains unresolved for the moment, leaving Florida waiting to see whether it can close on one of the more intriguing bats available this offseason. [Read more 🡒]
Jon Sumrall Just Sent Another Big Recruiting Message In Florida
Florida added another encouraging recruiting note for Jon Sumralls staff as a four-star receiver from Hollywood made an early decision in the 2028 class. For a program trying to build momentum on the trail before its new head coach has even coached a game, landing a high-end pass catcher this early is the kind of sign that can matter well beyond one commitment.
The bigger takeaway is where this one came from and who Florida had to beat out along the way. In-state recruiting always carries extra weight for the Gators, especially when a South Florida prospect is involved, and Sumrall is already showing an ability to stack wins in that arena as he settles into the job. The class is still young, but this is the sort of move that can ripple through the cycle if Florida keeps it going. [Read more 🡒]