Florida Gators Football hit arguably the lowest point of the Billy Napier era after last week's 18-16 loss to South Florida at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
But with a massive matchup against LSU in Baton Rouge set for Saturday, the Gators are getting some key reinforcements for their pursuit of an upset.
Caleb Banks to return against LSU
Redshirt senior defensive lineman Caleb Banks, after participating in practice this week, was left off the Gators' injury report ahead of Week 3. The 6-foot-5, 330-pound lineman was dealing with a lower leg injury he suffered during fall camp. The injury was initially considered day-to-day, but he was forced to miss the first two games of the season due to the issue.
He'll join the ranks for a Week 3 contest, which will have a massive impact on the outlook for the remainder of the 2025 season. A win would undoubtedly right the ship and prove the USF loss an outlier. A competitive defeat would indicate the season isn't lost and the Gators can rebound. A blowout defeat might just start the search for Florida's next head coach.
Banks' availability should have a significant impact on the Gators' defensive attack. He was an elite pass rusher from the interior last season, racking up 4.5 sacks. He forced two fumbles and made seven tackles for loss.
In his third year as a starter, Banks should anchor the Gators defensive line alongside Tyreak Sapp.
His pass-rush prowess will be necessary to shut down the Tigers potent offense, led by Heisman candidate Garrett Nussmeier. LSU's offensive line has looked beatable throughout the early portions of 2025, having allowed three sacks in Week 2 to Louisiana Tech.
It's unclear if Banks will have to be eased into a full allotment of snaps, considering his lengthy absence. The defensive tackle could provide the sort of spark that the Gators will need if they want to upend the Tigers in Death Valley.