Multiple Florida Gators shine in preseason opener, including a former star quarterback looking to stay around
The NFL has kicked off the preseason and multiple Florida Gators have made a good impression to start 2026.
While the Florida Gators are going through fall camp, they have multiple players in the NFL. On Thursday night, they had a few players trying to make a mark in their 2026 preseason debut.
When you are a young player, the preseason is huge to get better. If that happens, you will see those players put into a stronger position to play meaningful minutes during the regular season. A couple of former Gators showed out, including a former quarterback.
Trey Smack, K, Green Bay Packers
Smack was one of a few kickers selected in the NFL Draft, and he was arguably the best one in the 2026 class. He was excellent with the Gators as a senior last season and currently projects to be the Packers’ kicker.
On the day, Smack kicked three field goals, from 37, 38, and a whopping 58 yards.
As mentioned in the above tweet, Smack was very good as a kicker for the Gators from long distances, and he showed how he was in his NFL debut. The big thing for Smack will always be consistency, and it’s the same for every kicker. Smack has the talent to thrive, and if he can continue to do this, it will do wonders for him in the NFL.
Anthony Richardson, QB, Indianapolis Colts
It’s been a tough road for Anthony Richardson. After being selected fourth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, he suffered multiple injuried and had poor quarterback play which resulted in him losing a competition last summer to Daniel Jones. Going into the final year of his rookie contract, Richardson is fighting for his NFL life, and he played pretty well against the New England Patriots.
Richardson finished 11-14 for 145 yards and an interception, while rushing for 53 yards and a touchdown on six carries. He did have a fumble that came on a 22 yard scramble, and the interception went through his receiver’s hands, but overall looked improved from last year. Richardson was seeing the field better and making better decisions. That could end up winning him the backup job, or convince another team to swing a trade for him.
The key for Richardson will be to stack good games, and it could end up being good news for him.
