Vernell Brown III joins Gators greats in tremendous debut with homage to Odell Beckham Jr.

Electric is the perfect way to describe the debut for Vernell Brown III.

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
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Aug 30, 2025; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators wide receiver Vernell Brown III (8) runs with the ball against the Long Island Sharks during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

Going into the 2025 season, we thought Florida Gators wide receiver Dallas Wilson was going to be the true freshman who emerged as a superstar. With Wilson’s injury holding him out against the Long Island Sharks, created an opportunity for fellow five-star Vernell Brown III to show out.

Needless to say, Brown showed out in a big way. He got the start in his collegiate debut, becoming just the third Gators wide receiver to do so, with Percy Harvin and Antonio Callaway being the others.

Vernell Brown III shows out

When you are a true freshman, opportunities come your way by both merit and circumstance, both of which contributed to Brown getting the start on Saturday night. It started off well for Brown, as he got touches right away. On the day, Brown touched the ball seven times in three different ways:

  • 3 receptions for 79 yards
  • 1 kick return for 25 yards
  • 3 punt returns for 45 yards

It was evident the Gators wanted to get the ball into his hands, and he thrived in doing so. The biggest play of the game is one that will be on the Gators’ B-roll for decades. Brown was running a deep over and had to make a leaping catch.

He just so happened to emulate the famous Odell Beckham Jr. catch from years ago when he was with the New York Giants.

It’s an incredible catch for anyone, let alone a true freshman in their first-ever collegiate action. This is what the Gators expected out of Brown when they were aggressive in trying to secure his commitment. Head coach Billy Napier spoke very highly of the true freshman who had been working in both the slot and as a returner.

“I’d say he’s a little ahead of schedule,” head coach Billy Napier said about Brown III on Wednesday. “I think he’s pretty smart, pretty mature, obviously the pedigree with the dad [former Gator Vernell Brown Jr.], the environment, the competitive environment, if you do your homework on the family. And then he’s just run a ton of routes in his life.”

The Gators have a wealth of talent at wide receiver, something I’m sure excites starting quarterback DJ Lagway.

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