Florida’s highest-rated defender in CFB 27 is probably not who fans expected

CFB 27 is set to drop in the coming days, and with it comes an updated roster for Florida, along with updated ratings. EA Sports has released the player ratings for everyone in the game, and most of the usual suspects are the Gators' highest-rated players. Jadan Baugh leads the way with a 91 overall rating, while transfer Eric Singleton Jr. is right behind at 90 overall.

But what is interesting on the defensive side is that for as much attention as was placed on retaining Myles Graham and Jayden Woods, and for as much of a spotlight is put on guys like Cormani McClain, there is another player most fans probably wouldn’t have guessed who is the top-rated defender for Florida in CFB 27.

Bryce Thornton is Florida’s highest-rated defender in CFB 27

Safety Bryce Thornton is rated 87 overall in CFB and is tied for Florida’s third-highest rated player with Vernell Brown III.

Given the perception of Florida’s safety play over the past couple of seasons, this is somewhat of a surprise, but a deeper dive reveals the problem might not have been with Thornton himself. After arriving it Florida as a four-star prospect, Thornton struggled with tackling in his first two years, with a missed-tackle rate above 20% in 2023 and 2024. 

But for as lost a season as last year was, Thornton did provide some stability in the back and cut his missed-tackle rate to 10% as he racked up 56 total tackles on the season. His pass coverage also saw an uptick, and he was credited with six pass deflections on the season to go along with his one interception against Kentucky.

It was the season finale against FSU where Thornton showcased some of the tools he can bring to the table if Sumrall lets him. Lost in the headlines of Jadan Baugh’s big game was the fact that Thornton was finally given the green light to do something in Ron Robert’s defense besides just stand 15 yards off the ball and keep everything in front of him. Thornton had three QB pressures, a sack, a forced fumble, and was credited with four defensive stops.

If Thornton can bottle up his FSU game and parlay it into an entire 2026 campaign, the hopes and dreams that EA Sports has for him might just be one of the hidden gems on Florida’s roster that is hiding in plain sight.

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