Florida Gators center Jake Slaughter earned more preseason recognition and was named to ESPN’s First-Team All-America list Monday.
“When Slaughter announced that he was returning for his senior season, it was huge news for the Gators' offensive line and a huge boost for coach Billy Napier,” ESPN writer Chris Low wrote. “The 6-4, 303-pound Slaughter makes life easier for quarterback DJ Lagway and is a steadying force for the offense. Slaughter played 800 snaps last season, and his experience, versatility and toughness will serve the Gators well in 2025.”
Slaughter finished the 2024 season as one of Florida’s most decorated players. He earned five All-American First Team, two All-American Second Team and one Fourth-Team All-American honors and has earned first team honors from ESPN, SEC Media and Sporting News heading into 2025.
“He’s very driven to contribute to the team, to be at his best for his teammates,” Napier said Monday. “I can remember the evaluation workout we did with the team during bowl practice immediately upon arrival, and I wrote down that I felt like the guy had tools to be a really good player.”
Slaughter returned to Florida for a fifth year despite earning recognition on numerous NFL Draft boards. He finished 2024 with a Pro Football Focus grade of 81.1, which ranked fifth nationally among centers.
"He has earned every single thing that he has got," Napier said. "He is the absolute top leader on our team, and sets the tone and the pace every day."
The No. 15 Florida Gators will kick off their season against the Long Island Sharks at 4 p.m. Aug. 30 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Contact Luke Adragna at ladragna@alligator.org. Follow him on X @lukeadrag.
Luke Adragna is working his fifth semester at The Alligator and returns as the Summer 2025 assistant sports editor. In his free time, he enjoys hanging out with his cat Pete and researching niche professional athletes (shoutout Jacquizz Rodgers).
