Florida re-signs safety Bryce Thornton for 2026

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Florida safety Bryce Thornton has signed a new NIL deal with Florida Victorious, signaling his intent to return for his senior year.

A four-star recruit out of high school, according to Rivals, Thornton signed with Florida as a member of the 2023 class. He made an immediate impact, playing in all 12 games and starting four in 2023 as a true freshman. He ended his rookie campaign with 34 tackles (19 solo), 3.5 tackles for a loss, 0.5 sacks and a pass breakup.

Thornton played a similar role in 2024 after Washington transfer Asa Turner suffered an injury. He led the team with three interceptions, including two during an upset win over No. 9 Ole Miss. Thornton finished his sophomore season with 41 total tackles (19 solo), six pass deflections, 1.5 tackles for loss and a forced fumble.

As a junior, Thornton started 11 of Florida’s 12 games in 2025, logging a career-high 56 tackles (31 solo) — good for second and third on the team, respectively — six pass breakups (team-high), five quarterback hurries, two fumble recoveries (team-high), an interception, a sack, a tackle for loss and a forced fumble.

Retaining Thornton is one of the more significant wins for Jon Sumrall and his staff this offseason. Florida has lost six other defensive backs to the transfer portal, including starting safety Jordan Castell and nickel backs Sharif Denson and Aaron Gates. Pro Football Focus gave Thornton an 80.5 defensive grade on the year, second only to cornerback Devin Moore.

Florida players who have re-signed with the Gators

While Florida has lost more than two dozen players to the transfer portal, several notable names have publicly announced their intention to re-sign with the Gators.

Quarterback Tramell Jones Jr., wide receivers TJ Abrams and Vernell Brown III, offensive lineman Roderick Kearney, defensive linemen Joseph Mbatchou and Jeramiah McCloud, edges Kamran James and LJ McCray, linebackers Aaron Chiles and Myles Graham and defensive backs Lagonza Hayward and Dijon Johnson have also announced new deals with Florida Victorious.

Tight end Amir Jackson also reversed his decision to enter the transfer portal.

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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida Gators football re-signs S Bryce Thornton

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