Caleb Banks back for Gators’ visit to LSU to provide a much-needed interior defensive presence

GAINESVILLE — Florida star defensive tackle Caleb Banks is back just in time for the Gators’ visit to No. 3 LSU.

The 6-foot-5 ¾, 330-pound redshirt senior is not listed on Wednesday’s SEC availability report after missing the first two games with a foot injury. Banks could create the interior push UF could use to harass Tigers’ veteran quarterback Garrett Nussmeier pull off an upset as 7.5-point underdogs.

With Banks on the sideline, the Gators have managed just two sacks in two games and could not contain USF dual-threat quarterback Byrum Brown, who rushed for 66 yards and passed for 263 during an 18-16 upset by the Bulls.

Banks had a sack against LSU during the Gators’ 27-16 upset last Nov. 16 in the Swamp. A week later against Ole Miss, he recorded 2.5 sacks.

The November performance vaulted Banks, transfer from Louisville in 2023, into NFL draft conversations as a potential first-round draft pick.

While Banks will be available at Tiger Stadium, freshman receiver Dallas Wilson is listed as out and will miss his third straight game. Wilson was expected to be a major factor in the Gators’ passing game, which has struggled through two games as sophomore quarterback DJ Lagway continues to find his stride after an injury-riddled offseason.

Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com

https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/09/10/sec-florida-gators-football-lsu-tigers-billy-napier-sec-report/