SEC Network broadcast reveals Florida WR Tank Hawkins opting out, redshirting for 2025 season

Florida has been decimated by injuries at the receiver position, but it’s also been hurt by an opt-out. The SEC Network broadcast crew revealed Saturday night that receiver Tank Hawkins has opted to sit out the rest of the season.

Hawkins has already appeared in four games for Florida this season, appearing against Long Island, South Florida, Mississippi State and Georgia. He has logged just two catches for 16 yards.

The SEC Network crew sort of stumbled across its revelation that Tank Hawkins has opted to take a redshirt, thinning out the Florida receiving corps even further. The unit has been plagued by injuries.

“Vernell Brown III trots back onto the field,” Jordan Rodgers reported on the broadcast. “He was a big question mark coming into this game. If you’re just joining us he has been out there and already made a couple big plays.”

Before long, Tom Hart also chimed in on the call. Florida was driving into the red zone and would score shortly after, so there wasn’t much follow-up on his comment. But he did appear to break some news.

“They’re without three key receivers, including Eugene Wilson III, who is out due to foot surgery,” Hart said. “And Tank Hawkins is protecting his redshirt. He’s played four games and doesn’t want to play anymore.”

Hart didn’t necessarily cite where he obtained that bit of information, but broadcasters typically meet with the coaching staff ahead of games to preview different aspects of the team. Is it possible that Florida interim coach Billy Gonzales revealed that in one of those pre-production meetings? It’s certainly possible.

Whatever the case, there didn’t seem any uncertainty in the reporting on Tank Hawkins from Hart. He was assertive.

In two years at Florida, Hawkins has recorded 12 catches for 116 yards and a touchdown. He has also run three times for 11 yards.

Prior to enrolling at Florida, Tank Hawkins was ranked as a four-star prospect and the No. 300 overall player in the 2024 class, according to the On3 Consensus. He was the No. 49 receiver in his class and the No. 34 overall player from the state of Florida, hailing from IMG Academy.