With the 2026 NFL Draft just around the corner, Florida Gators fans are excited to see where the program’s top prospects will land in this year’s class.

One of the big-named prospects for the Gators in the upcoming class is star defensive tackle Caleb Banks, who is starting to receive some first-round hype before the highly-anticipated event in April.

NFL Draft analyst Dalton Wasserman recently released a full three-round mock draft before the 2026 NFL Combine, with the Carolina Panthers selecting Banks with the No. 19 pick in the upcoming draft.

“Despite modest defensive improvements in 2025, the Panthers still need to add talent to their front seven to become a perennial winner,” Wasserman wrote. “They could take a swing at Caleb Banks’ high-end talent, which could make him a dynamic NFL interior pass rusher. He didn’t play much in 2025 but tallied 53 pressures and six sacks in the two seasons prior.”

Before he was a talented playmaker for the Gators, Banks spent his first two seasons with the Louisville Cardinals. However, the prolific defender would only appear in seven games for the Cardinals before ultimately entering the transfer portal following the conclusion of the 2022 college football season.

Luckily for Banks, he would eventually turn into a key lineman for the Gators throughout his first two seasons with the program. In 2023, Banks tallied 19 tackles, one tackle for a loss, and one sack. His combination of size and strength allowed him to excel as a pass rusher, as well as a dominant run defender.

Banks would continue his strong showing in 2024, establishing himself as one of the best defensive tackles in the nation. The 6-foot-6, 329 lbs. defender recorded 21 tackles, seven tackles for losses, 4.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. His electric season in 2024 caught the attention of many NFL scouts, making him a hot name to watch for in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Unfortunately, despite all the hype surrounding Banks before the 2025 season, his stock would diminish due to an injury. During his six games with Florida this past season, Banks notched six tackles and one tackle for a loss.

Now, Banks has an opportunity to boost his stock once again during the 2026 NFL Combine, depending on how well he performs at the event.

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