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Billy Napier provides an update on Florida DL Caleb Banks

On3 imageby: Zach Abolverdi09/04/25ZachAbolverdi
Caleb-Banks-Florida-Gators
Florida DL Caleb Banks. (Photo by Victoria Riccobono/UAA Communications)

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The No. 13 Florida Gators (1-0) pitched a shutout in Week 1 without one of their top players on defense. Redshirt senior defensive lineman Caleb Banks missed his second consecutive game, sitting out the season opener after missing the 2024 Gasparilla Bowl with a foot injury that required offseason surgery.

Banks was out in the spring but returned to action this fall for training camp. However, Banks has been sidelined since mid-August with a lower body injury and spent some time in a boot.

UF coach Billy Napier provided an update following Wednesday’s practice on Banks.

“Caleb’s doing good. He’s doing really well,” Napier said. “He’s kind of hitting the next step, so he’s really close. So, we’ll see where he’s at this weekend and next week as well.”

Florida’s depth behind Banks

With Banks out, Florida’s starting defensive linemen against Long Island were redshirt junior Jamari Lyons and sophomore Michai Boireau, who made his first career start. Lyons and Boireau only played 12 and 11 snaps, respectively, while Baylor transfer Brendan Bett received 15 snaps in his first game as a Gator.

Bett, a 6-foot-5, 308-pound redshirt sophomore, said he’s playing nose tackle primarily but can also line up at the end spot (Banks’ position) on UF’s defensive line.

“Caleb being down right now I would say is definitely a hindrance to the D-line. Like, it’s Caleb Banks,” Bett said. “But me, Michai and Jamari, we’re just trying to do our best, just replace that role while he’s out and try to just stay dominant even without him being in the game until he gets back.”

Bett led his position group last Saturday with 3.0 tackles and Jeremiah McCloud made 2.0 tackles in his UF debut. McCloud graded out as Florida’s second-best defender (87.0) in 10 snaps played, while fellow freshman Joseph Mbatchou received 12 snaps and senior DL Brien Tayler Jr. played 14.

Bett has enjoyed being in the same room as Banks, a preseason All-SEC defensive lineman and projected first-round draft pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

“Oh, man. It feels great, you know, knowing somebody who already has the experience, the knowledge, to be able to play next to him,” Bett said of Banks said. “When I first got here, he was like, ‘Hey, I’m gonna take you under my wing.’ So, I’ve just been trying to stay by him and learn as best as possible.” 


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