Florida Gators Wide Receiver Kahleil Jackson Out for Season Following ACL Injury

Staff Report | Gator Bait Media

Gainesville, Fla. – Florida Gators wide receiver Kahleil Jackson has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2024 season after suffering a season-ending ACL injury.

The news, first reported by On3’s Keith Niebuhr, was confirmed by Jackson himself through an Instagram post following his surgery last Friday.

Jackson, a redshirt sophomore, earned a spot on the team after transitioning from quarterback to wide receiver. Hailing from Hawthorne High School, just outside of Gainesville, Jackson joined the Florida Gators as a walk-on and later earned a scholarship. His efforts culminated in 21 catches for 251 yards and one touchdown during the 2023 season.

Injury Report: Florida Gators

Graham Mertz (QB) | Concussion Out

Ja'Quavion Fraziars (WR) | Lower-body Out

Andy Jean (WR) | Upper-body

Out

Kahleil Jackson (WR) | ACL (Season-ending)

Out

Jamari Lyons (DL) Ankle (Season-ending)

Out

Joey Slackman (DL) | Undisclosed Out

Devin Moore (CB) | Shoulder

Out

Sharif Denson (STAR) | Undisclosed Out

Bryce Thornton (S) | Undisclosed Out

Asa Turner (S) | Undisclosed

Out

Despite not being listed on the team's depth chart for this season, Jackson was expected to play a significant role, particularly after demonstrating his potential as a deep threat for Gators quarterback Graham Mertz last year.

In the Gators' 2024 season opener against Miami, Jackson hauled in one pass for 13 yards, contributing to the team's offensive efforts before the unfortunate injury.

Ahead of this season, Jackson spoke about his growth and development within the program, highlighting his dedication to the Florida Gators.

'I bought into the program. I did the work and made sure to go the extra mile, whether it was studying the playbook or focusing on my conditioning,' he said earlier this year.

Jackson's injury not only impacts the Gators' depth at wide receiver but also halts the on-field presence of a Gators family legacy. He is the son of former Florida Gators wide receiver Willie Jackson Jr., the nephew of former Gators running back Terry Jackson, and the grandson of former wide receiver Willie Jackson Sr. All three of the Jackson men wore the No. 22 jersey, a tradition that Kahleil Jackson continued.

Head coach Billy Napier emphasized the importance of family connections like Jackson's during fall camp.

'You see it with kids like Kahleil—there's a deep understanding of our program’s history and what it means to be a Gator,' Napier noted. 'He’s been a part of this culture his whole life.'

In Jackson's absence, the Florida Gators will turn to Arizona State transfer Elijhah Badger and Marcus Burke to help fill the void at wide receiver. Badger, who was listed as a co-starter alongside Jackson, recorded three receptions for 43 yards in his debut against Miami. Napier praised Badger's performance, stating that the transfer has shown steady improvement and confidence since his arrival.

'He’s really settled in after that first game, and I think we’ll see even more from him moving forward,' Napier said.

The Gators look to continue their 2024 campaign with a home game against FCS opponent Samford, scheduled for Saturday at 7 p.m.