Gators re-sign WR Dallas Wilson, among Jon Sumrall’s top priorities to keep
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GAINESVILLE — Florida re-signed receiver Dallas Wilson to secure one of new coach Jon Sumrall’s top priorities among members of the 2025 Gators.
Wilson announced his decision on New Year’s Eve, two days before the transfer portal opens Friday.
“It’s a revenge season,” he told Florida Victorious, the school’s collective to raise NIL funding. “I’m coming back for everything. Everybody that doubted us or talked about us… we’re coming back. Just know that.”
The 6-foot-3, 213-pound sophomore still has a lot himself to prove after appearing in just four games because of a foot injury Wilson suffered during fall camp that ultimately ended his season.
Wilson, though, showed enough promise in those appearances, along with a record-setting 2025 spring game, that Sumrall made him, tailback Jadan Baugh, receiver Vernell Brown III, linebacker Myles Graham and edge rusher Jadan Woods the program’s five top targets to re-sign.
Wilson’s long-awaited debut highlighted the Gators’ 29-21 upset win against No. 9 Texas Oct. 4 in the Swamp, ending a three-game skid. But Wilson struggled to build on his six catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns — all UF records for a true freshman receiver making his first start.
Wilson caught just six passes for 65 yards and a touchdown before re-injuring his foot during the first half of a 24-20 loss to No. 5 Georgia Nov. 1 in Jacksonville.
By then, Wilson had shown what he can do when healthy.
During the spring game last April, he set a game-record 10 catches for 195 yards, including touchdowns of 20 and 19 yards.
Wilson and Brown, who led Florida with 40 catches for 512 yards in his first season, give the Gators two of the sport’s most promising young wideouts.
Wilson, 20 and from Tampa, likes Sumrall’s passion and new offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner’s plan he brings from Georgia Tech.
“He was very electric,” Wilson said of Sumrall. “He brought a lot of energy to the room—something we really hadn’t seen before. It was a different type of juice, and I immediately liked it.
“I feel like he’s the kind of coach who’s going to bring the best out of every player on the field.”
Faulkner’s 2025 offense at Georgia Tech averaged 33.1 points, or 28th nationally, 466.3 yards (12th) and 7.09 yards per play (eighth).
“I talk to him pretty much every day. He’s a great offensive mind and knows how to get his playmakers the ball and put us in position to be successful,” Wilson told Florida Victorious.
Graham, who led Florida with 76 tackles, also re-signed, but Baugh and Woods have yet to decide where they’ll play in 2026.
Baugh, whose 1,170 rushing yards are the most by a UF back since 2012, weighs a $1.3 million offer from UF against a reported $1.5 million from the Longhorns. Woods reportedly could enter the portal, but continues to negotiate a new deal.
Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com
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