GAINESVILLE — True freshman receiver Dallas Wilson’s Florida debut will be delayed while veteran defensive tackle Caleb Banks will have to wait to make his case to become a first-round pick in the NFL draft.
Expected to be one of the Gators’ top playmakers, Wilson wore a boot on his left foot behind the end zone as his fellow receiver warmed up prior to Saturday night’s season opener against Long Island University.
Redshirt sophomore Aidan Mizell stood next to Wilson in street clothes.
The two players’ absence leaves the Gators without two of their top five wide receivers.
Redshirt sophomore Tre Wilson warmed up with the Gators and is expected to start after season-ending hip surgery last November. Wilson was limited with a left leg injury at times during fall camp.
The No. 15 Gators, ranked for the first time in the preseason since 2021, are riding a four-game winning streak, the longest in the SEC, and were 45.5-point favorites against the Sharks.
Florida has lost consecutive season openers for the first time since 1978-79 but expected a sold-out crowd at the Swamp for the 13th straight time and 17th under Billy Napier, who is 14-6 in the Swamp.
Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com
Originally Published: August 30, 2025 at 5:23 PM EDT