Multiple Florida Gators earn prestigious honor after disappointing 2025 season led by senior nominated for postseason award

Five Florida Gators landed on the All SEC team, including one on the first team in center Jake Slaughter.

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
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Florida running back Jadan Baugh (13) celebrates after beating Florida State 40-21 during an NCAA football game at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, November 29, Florida beat Florida State 40-21.2025. Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun
Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun

The 2025 season for the Florida Gators was a frustrating one on many levels. They finished 4-8, which was their third season with just four wins since Urban Meyer “retired” after the 2010 season. It’s become far too common for the Gators to struggle this much, which is incredibly frustrating for a program like Florida.

Even with a down year for the Gators, there were many bright spots. The win over the Texas Longhorns in October, where the team finally looked like they were supposed to this season, was the highlight, as was the dominant win over bitter rival Florida State Seminoles.

Jake Slaughter highlights five Florida Gators on All SEC teams

You wouldn’t think about the Gators having a successful season due to their record, but multiple Gators earned themselves postseason honors.

C Jake Slaughter: First team

Slaughter has been a stalwart player for the Gators throughout his career, including starting every game this season. He is one of three finalists for the Rimington Award, which is given to the best center each season and has been since the year 2000.

RB Jadan Baugh: Second team

Baugh is one of the best running backs in the country, and arguably will be the best returning back next season in college football. He eclipsed 1,000 yards on the season and achieved the mark with less than 200 carries, finishing with 1,170 on 220 carries. His dominant performance against the Florida State Seminoles with 266 yards was the most-ever by an underclassman at Florida and the second-most ever behind Emmitt Smith.

LT Austin Barber: Third team

Going into the season, Barber was viewed as a potential first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He didn’t quite live up to that level, but did play well for the majority of the season. He started all 12 games along with the last 25 overall and posted solid Pro Football Focus grades.

K Trey Smack: Third team

Smack has been a very solid kicker for the Gators. He has only missed one extra point in his entire career, along with nailing five 50+ yard field goals this season, along with setting a school record of 10 50+ yard field goals in a career.

LS Rocco Underwood: Third team

The long snapper doesn’t get a lot of publicity because his job is to be consistent. If you haven’t been seen, you’ve done a good job. Underwood is a big reason why the special teams were solid this past season for the Gators.

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