FLorida Football Breaking: Edge Jack Pyburn Tears ACL

Gators' sophomore edge rusher, Jack Pyburn, announced on Monday that he suffered a torn ACL during Florida's overtime loss to Arkansas in Week 10, which means he won't be able to play for the rest of the 2023 season. Pyburn expressed his gratitude for the support and well-wishes he received after the game on Saturday, sharing the news on social media. He assured everyone that he will come back stronger than before and emphasized his love for his team and teammates.

Jack Pyburn Out for Season with Torn ACL. Photo: Chris Spears

"Thank you to everyone for the [prayers] and well wishes after Saturday's game," Pyburn wrote via X. "Unfortunately the injury I received on Saturday is a season-ending tear to my ACL. I can promise y’all one thing and that is I will be back soon and better than ever. Love this team and my brothers."

Originally from Jacksonville, Pyburn joined the Florida team in 2022 and quickly became a valuable member of the special teams unit, playing 147 snaps in his rookie season. As a sophomore, Pyburn's role expanded significantly, contributing both on defense and special teams. Before his injury, he had played 124 defensive snaps and 152 special teams reps, making a total of 13 tackles, including one for a loss, in nine appearances during the 2023 season.

Pyburn's first start in college came against Arkansas, filling in for the injured redshirt sophomore Tyreak Sapp. He made four total tackles before getting injured. With Pyburn out for the season and uncertainty surrounding Sapp's availability, freshman Kelby Collins may step in as the starting edge rusher alongside junior Princely Umanmielen. Collins has accumulated 16 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, 11 run stops, 16 quarterback pressures, one forced fumble, and one pass breakup in nine appearances.

Freshmen TJ Searcy and Kamran James also provide depth and rotational options behind Umanmielen, Collins, and Sapp. Searcy has recorded 19 tackles with 2.5 for a loss, one forced fumble, and seven quarterback pressures this season, while James has made four tackles.