The success of the Florida Gators will be heavily reliant on the targets of DJ Lagway, who will play a vital role in the sophomore quarterback's success. Specifically, the Florida wide receiver room, with an abundance of young talent, will need to perform to the best of their ability to give the Gators any hope at their first College Football Playoff appearance.
The Gators underwent heavy receiver turnover during the offseason, including the loss of veterans Elijah Badger and Chimere Dike to the draft. Given a drop-off in terms of room experience, Eugene "Tre" Wilson III will be expected to assume a larger role, as the junior looks to rebound from a sophomore slump.
Wilson III is considered one of the best in the nation
Wilson III was recently named the third-best WR prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft by PFF's Trevor Sikkema, announced through a published graphic on X. The Florida junior was only listed behind USC's Makai Lemon (1) and Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson (2). Notably, Wilson III was placed above other players of high regard, including LSU's Nic Anderson (10), Ohio State's Carnell Tate (9), and Washington's Denzel Boston (4). While the list contains just three SEC players, Florida's very own holds the highest ranking in the conference.
The list solely contained players eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft, which explains why sophomore phenoms Jeremiah Smith and Ryan Williams weren't present, but the mark is still an impressive one for Wilson III, who is coming off a season where he appeared in just four games before a season-ending hip surgery.
In his freshman season, Wilson III recorded 538 receiving yards, while also adding another 55 on the ground, ultimately earning freshman All-American honors from various outlets. Despite the spectacular rookie campaign, injuries contributed to Wilson taking a step backward in his sophomore season, truly entering what is known as the sophomore "slump." He rallied in 266 receiving yards and appeared in only four games, with over half of his total yardage recorded during a beatdown of FCS opponent Samford.
The former On3 five-star prospect of Gaither High School has the potential to wreak havoc on the nation in his junior season, which may set him up nicely for the 2026 NFL Draft.