Gators DL Named to Nagurski Trophy Watch List

Caleb Banks is considered one of the top defensive linemen in college football after a breakout 2024 campaign.

Jul 16, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Florida State Gators defensive lineman Caleb Banks answers questions from the media during the SEC Media Days at Omni Atlanta Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images | Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images

One Florida Gators defensive lineman has been receiving more national attention than ever throughout the offseason, and he’ll have a lot to prove as the season approaches.

In his most recent recognition, Gators defensive tackle Caleb Banks has been named to the preseason watch list for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, an award given to the best defensive player in college football.

Defensive Force. @Cbanks22_ has been named to the @NagurskiTrophy Preseason Watch List.

🔗 https://t.co/76FRKHVXhb#GoGators pic.twitter.com/PSKrjhazmY

— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) July 29, 2025

Last season, Banks started 10 games, finishing with 4.5 sacks and 21 tackles. While those may not be jaw-dropping numbers, he usually lines up as a 1-technique (between the center and guard) or head-up on the tackle, meaning his role is often to occupy multiple blockers and create room for other linemen and blitzing linebackers to make plays. And at 6-foot-6 and 330 pounds, Banks doesn’t just occupy space, he disrupts it.

At SEC Media Day, Banks broke down his decision to return to Florida for a final season.

“I wanted to come back and play with my guys and be the first male in my family to graduate, first generation to graduate,” said Banks. “I felt it was very important. And to come back, get a national championship and of course have a higher draft stock for the NFL in the future.”

His best game of the 2024 season came during an upset win over No. 9 Ole Miss, when he earned SEC Co-Defensive Lineman of the Week honors after making 2.5 sacks and generating seven pressures. With Desmond Watson and Cam Jackson leaving for the NFL, they have left a clear path for Banks to take over as Florida’s top interior defensive lineman.

In an early 2026 mock draft released by ESPN’s Jordan Reid, Banks was projected to be a first-round pick, being selected at No. 25 by the Cincinnati Bengals.