The Florida Gators could be getting some key reinforcements ahead of an in-state rivalry game set to be played Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Defensive lineman Caleb Banks could make his season debut against USF after missing Florida's 55-0 win over LIU in Week 1.
Banks has been dealing with a lower leg injury since the tail end of training camp, when he was spotted wearing a walking boot. The defensive tackle also missed Florida's bowl game last season and this offseason's Spring Game.
Head coach Billy Napier delivered a crucial update on Banks' status ahead of Saturday's contest.
#Gators head coach Billy Napier on Caleb Banks' health heading into Week 2:
— Luke Adragna (@lukeadrag) September 3, 2025
"Caleb's doing good. He's doing really well. He's kind of hit the next step. So he's really close. So, we'll see where he's at this weekend."
The Gators are seemingly content to take it day by day with Banks, who's set to play a featured role along the defensive front.
Still, it looks like Banks is moving in the right direction. When he suffered the injury in mid-August, he was termed day-to-day, which didn't imply he'd miss the season opener. Yet, he sat.
Now in the final steps of his recovery, we could see Banks take the field in full uniform Saturday in an important matchup for the Gators, or at the very least, it seems like he'll be active for a Week 3 date with the LSU Tigers.
Banks collected 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and seven tackles-for-loss in 10 starts during the 2024 season, and after being named to three separate award watch lists-- each for best defensive player in college football -- ahead of the 2025 season, he's ramping up for a breakout year.
While he was sidelined against Long Island, Michai Boireau and Jamari Lyons drew the start on the interior defensive line, playing 11 and 12 snaps, respectively. The pair held up well, but getting Banks back for Week 2 would give the Gators a major boost not only against the Bulls, but for the rest of the regular season.