Gators defender is drawing breakout buzz from ESPN

Florida Gators linebacker Myles Graham turned heads as a true freshman in 2024, and according to ESPN, the legacy defender could take an even bigger leap in 2025.

In a recent feature titled “Sleeper players for college football’s top 25 teams in 2025,” ESPN’s Harry Lyles Jr. selected Graham as the Gators’ top sleeper to watch this season.

“We saw what Graham was capable of as a freshman for the Gators with 30 tackles,” Lyles Jr. wrote. “He also had three tackles for loss, one sack, an interception and a forced fumble. With a line that should only be stronger in front of him, along with playing next to Grayson Howard, Graham has the potential to take another step in 2025. The great Florida teams of the 21st century have all had good linebacker play, and it feels like Graham could play that part for this team as it looks to rise again.”

Graham played in every game as a freshman, flashing the instincts and athleticism that made him a blue-chip recruit coming out of high school. Now, with another year of development under his belt and more experience around him, he’s expected to take on a much bigger role in the defense this fall.

If Florida’s front seven can take a step forward this fall, Graham has the tools to emerge as a key playmaker in the SEC. That has ESPN optimistic about his potential this fall.

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