Florida football's NFL pipeline strong with nine 2026 Combine invitees
· Yahoo Sports
The Florida Gators may not be atop the SEC standings every season, but when it comes to producing NFL talent, the program's output has been remarkably consistent.
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That fact is on full display for the 2026 NFL scouting combine, where nine Florida players received invitations, joining 319 of the nation's top draft-eligible prospects in Indianapolis.
The Gators' class spans the roster: wide receiver J. Michael Sturdivant, offensive linemen Austin Barber and Jake Slaughter, defensive linemen Caleb Banks, George Gumbs Jr. and Tyreak Sapp, cornerback Devin Moore, punter Tommy Doman Jr., and kicker Trey Smack. From the trenches to skill positions and special teams, developing professional-caliber talent across every unit is a Florida tradition.
Even in years when Florida hasn't dominated nationally, the program's pipeline to the NFL remains strong. Eight to 10-player delegations at the combine have become standard for the Gators over the last decade. This ranks among the SEC's most consistent talent factories. Nine Gators earned invitations in 2025, with 2023 and 2024 seeing similar totals; historical peaks include 10 invitees in 2010.
Caleb Banks, whose 2025 season was limited by injury, and Austin Barber, who anchored the offensive line, illustrate how Florida develops players who translate to the professional level. The Athletic's 2026 top-100 NFL draft prospects further validate this pipeline with Banks at No. 24, Moore at No. 73, Slaughter at No. 83, and Barber at No. 86.
The pipeline narrative is reinforced by Florida's history of NFL draft success. Since 2010, the Gators have consistently produced first and second-round selections, with standout names like Vernon Hargreaves III, Jonotthan Harrison, and Caleb Brantley. Among SEC programs, Florida ranks near the top in total draft picks over the past decade, trailing only Alabama and competing closely with Georgia and LSU. This solidity shows that the Gators are not only sending players to the Combine but regularly turning college production into professional opportunity.
More than just a showcase, the combine serves as a reminder for Florida fans that the program reliably shapes NFL-ready players year after year. Even when the talent doesn't translate to wins. This is the program's cornerstone, point of pride, and recruiting tool that keeps Florida consistently relevant at the next level.
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: NFL talent pipeline Florida sending nine players to 2026 Combine