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Florida Program Sends 43 Former Players onto NFL Opening Rosters for 2026 Season

Former Gators span all positions and all 32 teams as the NFL week one rosters are set after cutdown day.

A photograph of Doug Wycoff of Georgia Tech in action versus Florida Gators in the football game on October 13, 1923.
A photograph of Doug Wycoff of Georgia Tech in ac…      Florida Gators Football    The Atlanta Journal / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
By Free News Press Editorial Team
Published September 1, 2026 at 1:35 AM PDT

Forty-three former Florida Gators made NFL rosters following cutdown day, giving the program one of the broader footprints in the league heading into the 2026 season.

According to Yahoo Sports, the list spans every position group, from quarterbacks and offensive linemen to specialists, and includes former first-round picks, established starters, recent draft selections, and undrafted free agents. Some players are on injured reserve or carry other injury designations but remain under contract.

The most prominent names on offense are quarterback Anthony Richardson of the Indianapolis Colts and tight end Kyle Pitts of the Atlanta Falcons, both former first-round picks. Offensive linemen O'Cyrus Torrence with the Buffalo Bills and Jawaan Taylor with the Falcons also have starting experience. Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall is on the roster for the San Francisco 49ers, joined there by veteran receiver Demarcus Robinson.

Other offensive players include quarterback Graham Mertz with the Houston Texans, running back Malik Davis with the Dallas Cowboys, and receivers Chimere Dike with the Tennessee Titans, Justin Shorter with the Las Vegas Raiders, and J. Michael Sturdivant with the Green Bay Packers. The offensive line contingent is large, with former Gators holding spots in Baltimore, Cleveland, Houston, Tennessee, Los Angeles, Carolina, Philadelphia, and Washington.

On defense, edge rusher Jonathan Greenard is with the Philadelphia Eagles, safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson is with the Buffalo Bills, and linebacker Alex Anzalone is with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Younger defensive players include Gervon Dexter Sr. with the Falcons, Caleb Banks with the Minnesota Vikings, Shemar James with the Dallas Cowboys, and linebacker Ventrell Miller with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Cornerback Jason Marshall Jr. holds a spot with the Miami Dolphins, and C.J. Henderson is with Atlanta.

The specialist group is notable in its own right. Seven former Gators are on NFL rosters at kicker, punter, or long snapper positions. Evan McPherson is with the Cincinnati Bengals and Tommy Townsend is with the Tennessee Titans, both proven veterans at their positions.

The depth and range of the list reflects a consistent pipeline from Gainesville to the professional level, even across a period when the Florida program cycled through multiple head coaches over the past decade.

Photograph of 1966 Florida Gators football team
Photograph of 1966 Florida Gators football team      Florida Gators Football    Unknown authorUnknown author / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)