Vernell Brown III makes social media post highlighting hunger for more in year 2

Florida freshman receiver Vernell Brown III posted a message on Instagram, saying he’s “back for it all next year.” According to Gators Online Zach Abolverdi, Vernell Brown III’s IG post is not confirmation of his return to Florida per him and his agent.

If he does return, Brown will be a key option for the Gators on offense during Jon Sumrall’s first season in Gainesville. Brown was the team’s leading receiver in his first collegiate season, logging 40 catches for 512 yards. Despite breaking onto the scene strong in 2025, he did not record a touchdown as a true freshman.

Brown, Dallas Wilson and Eugene Wilson made for a young, dynamic trio out wide, proving the Gators have budding talent across the board out wide. Senior WR J. Michael Sturdivant was a strong veteran presence out wide as well.

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A post shared by Vernell Brown III🎱 (@_vb3_)

Brown stood out above both as the team’s top receiving option. If Brown is back for the 2026 season and will figure to be even more productive as a sophomore.

He recorded stats in 10 games for the Gators in 2025. Brown’s best performance came against Mississippi State on Oct. 18, logging five receptions for 83 yards which included a 50-yard reception as the Gators won 23-21 in the Swamp. Six of those 10 matchups saw Brown log at least 50 yards receiving.

Brown’s production tapered off toward the end of the season. In the final three games he played in against Kentucky, Tennessee and Florida State, Brown logged eight receptions for 61 yards combined. Brown did miss time with injury around the same time, which could have caused his drop in production.

His breakout true freshman season was no surprise given his resume entering the collegiate ranks. Brown arrived in Gainesville as a five-star recruit, per the Rivals Industry Rankings, as the No. 30 overall player in the 2025 class. That includes being ranked as the No. 3 player from the state of Florida, as well as being the No. 6-ranked wideout.

Florida would finish the season with a 4-8 record during Brown’s first season with the Gators. They fired head coach Billy Napier, who Brown committed to, mid-season which led to questions over who might transfer at the end of the season.

New head coach Jon Sumrall is currently balancing coaching Tulane in the College Football Playoff and beginning his offseason work at Florida. The first step is attempting to retain one of the most important pieces to the Gators’ offense along the way.