GAINESVILLE, FL: Four Florida Gators football standouts – offensive tackle Austin Barber, defensive tackle Caleb Banks, center Jake Slaughter, and edge rusher Tyreak Sapp – landed in Sports Illustrated’s 2026 NFL Draft Big Board top 50, reinforcing UF’s status as an NFL talent incubator heading into the 2025 season.
Prospects in the Spotlight
Austin Barber (OT, No. 17 overall): The 6’6″, 322-pound lineman surrendered just two sacks and three QB hits in 2024 (per PFF) while showcasing elite footwork and lateral agility. His positional versatility (14 starts at left tackle, 10 at right tackle) and power in gap schemes make him a potential first-round anchor.
Caleb Banks (DT, No. 26): The 325-pound disruptor racked up 4.5 sacks and 29 pressures last season using explosive first-step quickness and heavy hands. Scouts want to see refined counter moves, but his ability to collapse pockets projects him as a Day 2 interior force.
Jake Slaughter (C, No. 43): A consensus All-American and first-team All-SEC selection, Slaughter allowed one sack across 800+ snaps in 2024. His 85.8 PFF grade since 2023 ranks second among Power Four centers, though improving functional strength remains pivotal.
Tyreak Sapp (EDGE, No. 48): The breakout edge defender notched seven sacks and a 90.4 PFF grade (10th nationally at his position) with a potent blend of speed-to-power rushes and disciplined run defense.
Future Forecast
All four players will play critical roles in extending Florida’s 74-year NFL Draft streak. Barber and Slaughter form the SEC’s most experienced offensive line duo, tasked with protecting five-star QB DJ Lagway. Banks and Sapp headline a defensive front aiming to build on 2024’s 31-sack campaign. With 11 months until draft night, their technical refinement and consistency will determine whether they climb into Round 1 contention or settle as Day 2 values.
