EDGE LJ McCray re-signs with Florida Gators

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Florida sophomore edge defender LJ McCray announced he signed a new NIL deal with Florida Victorious on Tuesday, Dec. 30, confirming his return to the Gators for the 2026 season.

A five-star recruit out of high school, according to both On3 and 247Sports, McCray joined the Orange and Blue as the defensive crown jewel of the 2024 signing class. He made an immediate impact, playing in all 13 games for Florida during the 2024 season, logging 13 total tackles (3 solo), five quarterback hurries, one tackle for a loss and 0.5 sacks.

His sophomore campaign was cut short after playing just one game — against USF. He underwent surgery on his right foot in September, sidelining him for the rest of the season. At 6-foot-6 and 268 pounds, McCray has true SEC size, and he’s adding muscle to that frame.

“LJ, honestly, probably had one of the best offseasons out of anybody,” Florida strength and conditioning coach Tyler Miles said over the summer. “He gained like 40 pounds, and each one of his lifts, like PR by 40 pounds. You can see it now in his arms. He’s thicker and has more muscle. He had a phenomenal offseason.”

Assuming McCray redshirts, he’ll have three years of eligibility remaining; however, he becomes draft-eligible after this season. He should compete for a starting role alongside Kamran James at EDGE. Kofi Asare also has another year of eligibility, but has yet to announce his return.

Florida players who have re-signed with the Gators

While Florida has lost more than two dozen players to the transfer portal, a number of important names have publicly announced they are re-signing 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, EDGE Kamran James, 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 EDGE LJ McCray

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