With the 2025 college football season in the books, Florida Gators fans are excited to see where the program’s top players from last year will end up in the 2026 NFL Draft.

This year’s draft is set to feature multiple Gators, including center Jake Slaughter and offensive tackle Austin Barber.

However, there is one name that continues to boost his draft stock before the big day: star defensive tackle Caleb Banks.

The former Louisville Cardinal transfer, who spent the last three seasons with Florida, has been widely considered a first-round prospect in the 2026 draft class. Following the conclusion of his final season with the program, Banks received an invitation to participate in the 2026 Panini Senior Bowl, a highly coveted event for top NFL prospects.

Luckily for the potential first-round pick, his stout efforts at the event have not gone unnoticed this week.

New York Giants writer Sam Kirk discussed his “rising players” from the Senior Bowl in his most recent article on Friday, claiming that Banks has “reminded scouts why his size and upside remain intriguing at the next level.”

“Banks answered the biggest question surrounding his week with his best performance,” Kirk wrote. "After a rough start, the Florida defensive tackle showed improved quickness and finishing ability on Day 3. He won multiple one-on-one reps as a pass-rusher, picked up a sack during team drills, and held his ground against the run. Banks reminded scouts why his size and upside remain intriguing at the next level.”

Despite playing in six games this year for Florida, Banks’ performances in his first two seasons with the Gators managed to catch the attention of many NFL scouts.

During his first two years, Banks recorded 40 tackles, eight tackles for losses, 5.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles.

At 6-foot-6, 329 lbs., Banks possesses a terrific combination of size and power that allows him to be a force on the interior of the defensive line. With his ability to be a threat in both the pass and run game, the talented Florida playmaker has a real shot of becoming an impact player at the NFL level as a rookie.

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