Florida Makes Major Announcement After 2025 NFL Draft
The Florida Gators had seven players selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, but the program also reached a bigger milestone.
Florida is one of three college football programs that have had a player taken in every year since the modern NFL Draft era began in 1996.
Advertisement
The first former Gator selected was receiver Chimere Dike in the fourth round by the Tennessee Titans.
Defensive lineman Cam Jackson (Carolina Panthers), cornerback Jason Marshall Jr. (Miami Dolphins), linebacker Shemar James (Dallas Cowboys), quarterback Graham Mertz (Houston Texans), punter Jeremy Crenshaw (Denver Broncos) and cornerback Trikweze Bridges (Los Angeles Rams) were also selected.
Florida head coach Billy Napier.© Brett Patzke-Imagn Images
The Gators had plenty of players go undrafted as well.
Receiver Elijhah Badger, linebacker RJ Moten, defensive lineman Joey Slackman, athlete Ja'Markis Weston, offensive lineman Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson, defensive lineman Desmond Watson and running back Montrell Johnson Jr. went undrafted over the weekend.
Advertisement
Florida enters its fourth season under head coach Billy Napier in 2025. Napier just secured his first winning season and bowl win since taking the job in 2022. He led the Gators to a 33-8 win over Tulane in the Gasparilla Bowl to finish the year at 8-5.
In 2022, he took Florida to a bowl game, but lost to the Oregon State Beavers to finish with a 6-7 record. The 2023 season saw Florida miss a bowl game after ending the regular season at 5-7.
The Gators are showing promise ahead of the 2025 season, returning talent like quarterback DJ Lagway, center Jake Slaughter and safety Jordan Castell.
The team also added talent from the portal with receiver J. Michael Sturdivant (UCLA), Tommy Doman (Michigan), edge rusher Kofi Asare (UMass), safety Michael Caraway Jr. (Southern Miss), defensive lineman Brendan Bett (Baylor) and quarterback Harrison Bailey (Louisville).
Related: Florida Making Rival Transfer Portal Target a 'Top Priority'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
21 minutes ago
- USA Today
Florida football gets commitment from blue-chip ATH Justin Williams in 2026 cycle
Florida football gets commitment from blue-chip ATH Justin Williams in 2026 cycle Florida football added local four-star athlete Justin Williams to its 2026 class on Sunday in the second of two signings for the Gators. The 5-foot-11-inch, 190-pound prospect out of Gainesville (Florida) Buchholz chose the Orange and Blue over 26 other suitors that included the Kentucky Wildcats, Florida State Seminoles, Ole Miss Rebels and North Carolina Tar Heels. While he is listed as an athlete, his primary position is at wide receiver. Williams' proximity to campus allowed him to make frequent visits with the program and acclimate to Florida's coaching staff. His most recent official visit, however, was a major step toward his commitment. "It was cool to really see, get more in-depth," he told Swamp247. "I've been here plenty of times, but just getting to know the coaches more and building that relationship, it was really fun." Williams also forged a strong relationship with Gators head coach Billy Napier. "He's an amazing person. It's the best, best coach I've ever been around like I can just tell that from, previous visits, and this visit," he noted. "(I) got to meet his wife, super cool family. And as a coach, he has his track record, and I really believe he can get me to where I want to go." Maybe most importantly, matriculating at Florida also allows him to stay close to his family and friends — something Florida State and Kentucky could not quite offer. "My mom could just drive 20 minutes down the road coming to the games," Williams offered. "It's just really cool. I'm going to see all my friends sitting in the stands.' Justin Williams' Recruiting Summary Williams is ranked No. 235 overall and No. 15 at his position nationally according to the 247Sports composite while the On3 industry ranking has him at Nos. 188 and 27, respectively. Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
Lesser-mentioned Ravens star lands on CBS Sports list of 2025 breakout stars
Lesser-mentioned Ravens star lands on CBS Sports list of 2025 breakout stars Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell earns national spotlight in new NFL prediction from CBS Sports It's too early to make predictions. It's only June, but even though the mind says 'don't get excited', the heart, more often than not, refuses to listen. This Baltimore Ravens team looks good on paper, and even though games aren't played on looseleaf, every glance at the roster produces adrenaline. This team sent 11 of its players to the Pro Bowl last season. All of them are back. DeAndre Hopkins was added during free agency. Malaki Starks and Mike Green were drafted. The new faces have an opportunity to add more punch to an already formidable roster. Then again, so do some of the guys who have already been here. May we present Keaton Mitchell for your consideration? CBS Sports names Keaton Mitchell as a player to watch Mention the Ravens and why they are a Super Bowl contender, and several names may come up before a backup running back. Keaton Mitchell was added to Baltimore's roster as an undrafted rookie free agent. Pro Football Focus named him as one of the NFL's best UDFA prospects during that offseason. CBS Sports recently named him as an under-the-radar player to watch in their dig on one player from each team who could make a surprising impact. Tyler Sullivan wrote this one up and did a great job. Here's some of his reasoning for mentioning Mitchell as the Ravens representative. "For a six-week stretch during the 2023 season, Mitchell was a lightning rod. The back averaged 8.4 yards per rush and 10.5 yards per reception. However, that run ended when he suffered a torn ACL that also put a dent in his 2024 campaign. Now, Mitchell is back healthy and noted recently that he feels 'like I'm back better than when I first got to Baltimore'. Of course, Derrick Henry will carry the bulk of the work out of the Ravens' backfield, but Mitchell could prove to be a change-of-pace option with home run ability for what is already one of the best rushing attacks in the NFL." Henry and Mitchell could provide some 'thunder and lightning'. The latter is no stranger to adversity or this Ravens offense. An undrafted rookie free agent selected after the 2023 NFL Draft, Pro Football Focus named him as one of the best UDFAs taken that offseason, but two days after making the 53-man roster, he found his way to the injured reserve. He returned in Week 6 and appeared in eight games with two starts before seeing his season end with a torn ACL. He began last season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list but was activated for Week 10. For his career, he has notched 426 yards and two TDs on 62 carries. Keep an eye on him as the Ravens begin another run, and expect some big moments because even though the opportunities will be limited, he'll be able to deliver a few.
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
Ravens fans aren't talking about Eric DeCosta's fourth-round steal enough
Ravens fans aren't talking about Eric DeCosta's fourth-round steal enough Ravens fourth-rounder Teddye Buchanan might be the best acquisition that no one mentions. The NFL Draft is called an 'inexact science', and, in some ways, it is. Certain aspects of it make sense, though. When the Baltimore Ravens take guys in Round 1 and Round 2, those prospects are often expected to contribute immediately. Those late-round draftees, guys taken in Round 6 and Round 7. Those guys can sometimes be the equivalent of a crap shoot. They're the guys organizations typically gamble on. If they work out, think of it like the franchise hit the lottery. It's the same case for undrafted rookies. Mid-rounders are where the meat of the roster is found. General managers must choose wisely, but if they're right, they can really find some hidden gems. One such gem is a 2024 First-team All-ACC nod. Eric DeCosta and his staff found him in one of the most unlikely places. The Ravens' flock isn't discussing rookie Teddye Buchanan as often as they should be Typically, when the college football season begins and we build and rebuild our draft boards, the UC Davis Aggies aren't who we're looking for to find elite talent. We often find better players at California doing work for the Golden Bears. Still, it's less usual that we see them there than it would be if we raided Georgia or Alabama. Now and then, you find a diamond in the rough, however. Teddye Buchanan is precisely that. He stands at six feet two. He tips the scales at 233 pounds. He's athletic and provides some upside. Part of the reason for that is his ability to cover and add early value on special teams. Buchanan is making a name for himself at OTAs. Defensive coordinator Zach Orr likes him. Baltimore's defensive coordinator spoke with the media recently. He's been complimentary about his rookie. Time may be running out for Trenton Simpson. If he doesn't shine, Buchanan could sneak in and land a bigger role on Orr's defense. 'Teddye plays like a Raven... He flies around, he seeks contact, he can play in space, and he's a smart player…I'm excited about Teddye.' Stay tuned. This is someone whose name you should circle now. Keep an eye on him at minicamp, training camp, and during Baltimore's three preseason games.
