Which Defense Will Show Up for the Florida Gators in 2025?

Bryce Thornton (18) had two critical picks in the win over Ole Miss (Photo by Chris Spears)

The question that should live rent-free in the mind of every Florida fan as the Gators prep for the 2025 season is: which defense is going to show up? In four of Florida’s five losses in 2024 (No. 19 Miami, Texas A&M, No. 2 Georgia, and No. 5 Texas), the defense was essentially a no-show. The Gators gave up chunks of yardage—508.5 yards—and way too many points—39.25 points—per game. They managed only four sacks and forced five turnovers in those losses.

A Glimmer of Hope Against Tennessee

The only loss of 2024 where the defense played winning football was in overtime against Tennessee in Knoxville. The Gators held the Vols to 23 points and 312 yards. They forced two turnovers and sacked QB Nico Iamaleava three times. Had Graham Mertz not gone down with a torn ACL, it’s likely the Gators would have won that game against the then 8th-ranked Vols.

The way the defense played in the loss to Tennessee is how the Gators performed in seven of their eight wins. The only aberration was against Mississippi State. In that 45-28 victory, the Gators allowed 480 yards—240 on the ground and 240 through the air. In the other seven wins, the Gators allowed just 296.29 yards and 13.14 points per game. They forced 18 turnovers in those wins and got to opposing quarterbacks for 32 of their 39 sacks for the season.

In the final four games, the Gators allowed 321.75 yards and 52 points. They forced 12 turnovers and recorded 19 sacks.

When all the numbers are crunched, Florida finished 15th in the SEC in total defense (376.9 yards per game), 14th in run defense (149.46 yards per game), 11th in pass defense (227.5 yards per game), and 12th in scoring defense (23.1 points allowed). However, the Gators excelled in some areas, finishing fourth in sacks (39), fourth in interceptions (14), and second in fumbles recovered (11).

The Big Question for 2025

So which defense will we see in 2025? Is it the one that couldn’t get off the field in four of the five losses? Or is it the one that played so well at the end of the year?

Offensive Powerhouse

Offensively, Florida should be one of the better teams in the country this season. The Gators have one of the top five quarterbacks in DJ Lagway, a loaded running backs room, and more speed at wide receiver than they’ve had since the Urban Meyer years. Their offensive line ranks among the two best in the Southeastern Conference and one of the five best in the country. With skill players that collectively rank among the best and an O-line that allowed only 20 sacks last year, scoring won’t be an issue for Florida.

The concerns lie on the other side of the football. But is this an overreaction? Are those last four games a better indicator of future performance than the lack of defensive productivity in four losses and the win over Mississippi State?

A Fierce Defense on the Horizon

I believe Florida’s defense is going to be fierce. If there’s an area of concern, it’s the experienced depth on the defensive line. There’s talent, but beyond the starters, there aren’t many bodies with experience.

Breakdown of the Defense

Tyreak Sapp (94) and Devin Moore (29) combine for a sack against FSU (Photo by Chris Spears)

D-Line Starters:

• DE Tyreak Sapp (6-3, 274, RSR)
• NT Michai Boireau (6-5, 355, SO)
• DT Caleb Banks (6-6, 329, RSR)
  
  

If Banks can replicate his performance in the wins over LSU, Ole Miss, and Florida State, he could make All-America. Sapp went beast mode in the last four games, excelling against the run and rushing the passer. Boireau has immense talent but was inconsistent last year.

Kamran James (6-6, 272, JR) seems poised to be an impactful player as Sapp’s backup. Jamari Lyons (6-4, 308, RJR) is recovering from knee surgery, but if he’s fully back, he’ll provide a serious boost to the D-line. The Gators suffered a significant loss in the offseason when freshman Stephon Shivers (6-4, 390) was dismissed from the team. They did, however, pick up Baylor transfer Brendan Bett (6-5, 300, RSO) in the portal. He’ll need to contribute immediately.

EDGE Rusher:

• George Gumbs Jr. (6-4, 253, RSR)
  
  

Gumbs had five sacks and eight tackles for loss among his 35 stops last year. He’s capable of much more. Behind him is LJ McCray (6-6, 267, SO), a former 5-star who will see plenty of action in the front seven. UMass transfer Kofi Asare (6-5, 246, RJR) and true freshman Jayden Woods (6-3, 240) will also factor into a deep rotation.

Linebackers:

• Grayson Howard (6-4, 232, JR)
• Myles Graham (6-1, 227, SO)
  
  

Until injured in the Texas game, Howard played exceptionally well, especially against the run. Graham is an All-American in waiting; it’s just a matter of time before he becomes a dominant force. Behind them, the coaching staff loves Jaden Robinson (6-0, 232, JR) and Aaron Chiles (6-3, 241, JR). Both would start at most SEC schools. Freshman Ty Jackson (6-2, 216) will also be in the rotation.

Secondary:

• STAR Sharif Denson (5-11, 191, JR)
• CB Devin Moore (6-3, 199, SR)
• CB Cormani McClain (6-2, 182, RSO) or Dijon Johnson (6-1, 196, JR)
• S Bryce Thornton (5-10, 212, JR)
• S Jordan Castell (6-2, 217, JR)
  
  

If Devin Moore can stay healthy (he played only seven games last year) and Dijon Johnson’s legal issues are behind him, Florida’s secondary will be solid. Cormani McClain, a former 5-star from Lakeland, is now 20 pounds heavier than when he arrived. Whether as a starter or coming off the bench, he’ll make an impact now that he can handle the size and strength of SEC receivers. Sharif Denson is reliable, and if Aaron Gates (6-0, 189, RSO) is healthy, that position will be in good shape. Florida’s safety duo of Bryce Thornton (41 tackles, 3 interceptions) and Jordan Castell (55 tackles, 9 pass breakups) is among the best in the SEC. Southern Miss transfer Michael Carraway Jr. (6-1, 184, RSR) brings experience and versatility to the secondary. Freshmen Jamroc Grimsley (6-2, 193), Ben Hanks III (6-1, 180), and Drake Stubbs (6-1, 197) will need to be game-ready from day one.

This is the best defensive roster the Gators have had since Billy Napier’s arrival. If they can compensate for the lack of experience in the middle of the D-line, this unit will thrive. There are concerns about youthful backups in the secondary, but there’s no denying that the backups are incredibly talented.

Coaching Changes and Their Impact

It cannot be overemphasized that Ron Roberts will be in the booth starting game one. When Napier made the switch, putting Roberts in the booth as the play caller and Austin Armstrong on the sidelines, Florida’s defense showed drastic improvement. Roberts is credited with inventing the “creeper” defense, variations of which are now used throughout the NFL. When executed perfectly, opposing quarterbacks see “ghosts.” They don’t know where the pass rush is coming from. Just ask LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier about that one!

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Pass rush
• Aggressiveness in the secondary
• Improved play at linebacker
  
  

Weaknesses:

• Depth at nose tackle
• Youth in the secondary
  
  

The Road Ahead

The likelihood is that the Gators will control the clock offensively, limiting the defense's time on the field. If Florida can play ahead, which they should be able to do with their offensive capabilities, opponents will be forced to throw the ball more. This scenario plays right into Roberts’ hands. Expect the Gators to register between 40-50 sacks and force upwards of 30 turnovers. If they can achieve that, this is a team that could win 9-10 games and be in the hunt for an at-large playoff berth.

In conclusion, as we gear up for the 2025 season, the anticipation is palpable. Will the Gators' defense rise to the occasion? Only time will tell, but I’m optimistic about what lies ahead!