Florida Gators’ All-Time Greatest Football Players Ever to Wear Each Jersey Number in Program History from 1 Through 99

Florida Gators’ All-Time Greatest Football Players Ever to Wear Each Jersey Number in Program History from 1 Through 99

Florida Gators football has a storied tradition filled with legendary players who wore the orange and blue with pride. From national champions and Heisman winners to All-Americans and NFL stars, the jersey numbers worn by these greats have become symbols of their impact on the program. Some numbers are instantly recognizable due to the iconic careers of the players who wore them. Others have seen multiple stars pass through, etching their legacies in different ways. Here’s a comprehensive look at the greatest Florida Gators football players ever to wear each jersey number from 1 through 99, a celebration of decades of excellence in Gainesville.

1 – Percy Harvin
Explosive, elusive, and electric, Percy Harvin is arguably the most dynamic offensive weapon in Florida history. He played a pivotal role in two national championship runs and was virtually unstoppable in space.

2 – Joe Haden
A lockdown cornerback and All-American, Joe Haden was a key part of the 2008 national championship defense and a first-round NFL Draft pick.

3 – Chris Rainey
A do-it-all back and returner, Rainey’s speed and versatility made him a constant big-play threat during his time in Gainesville.

4 – Brandon James
One of the most dangerous return specialists in SEC history, James was a game-changer on special teams and a reliable slot receiver.

5 – Ahmad Black
Black was the heart and soul of the Gators’ secondary in the late 2000s, culminating in a heroic performance in the 2011 Outback Bowl.

6 – Jeff Demps
The fastest man in college football during his time, Demps was a national champion on the field and on the track, delivering lightning-quick plays out of the backfield.

7 – Keiwan Ratliff
Ratliff was a ball-hawking defensive back who set records for interceptions and played with unmatched swagger during his All-American career.

8 – Rex Grossman
Grossman was a Heisman Trophy runner-up in 2001 and one of the most prolific passers in school history, known for his deep ball accuracy.

9 – Andre Caldwell
One of the most reliable receivers in program history, Caldwell left Florida as the all-time leader in receptions at the time of his graduation.

10 – Kerwin Bell
A legendary quarterback during the 1980s, Bell helped put Florida football on the national map and later returned as a coach.

11 – Shane Matthews
Matthews was a two-time SEC Player of the Year and a central figure in Steve Spurrier’s early dominance in the conference.

12 – Chris Leak
The winningest quarterback in school history when he left, Leak led Florida to the 2006 national championship, throwing for over 11,000 yards.

13 – Tim Tebow
Tebow is the most iconic Gator of all time — a Heisman Trophy winner, two-time national champion, and the face of Florida’s golden era.

14 – Danny Wuerffel
Another Heisman winner, Wuerffel brought home a national title in 1996 and remains one of the most respected players in college football history.

15 – Emmitt Smith
Though he wore 15 in college, Smith’s NFL career made him a legend. At Florida, he broke records and set the stage for his Hall of Fame run.

16 – John Reaves
Reaves still ranks among Florida’s top all-time passers and was part of the famed “Super Sophs” who revolutionized the Gators’ offense.

17 – Jacquez Green
A burner with elite agility, Green was a central figure in Florida’s explosive 1990s passing attack under Steve Spurrier.

18 – Reidel Anthony
A dynamic deep threat and first-round NFL pick, Anthony’s 18-touchdown season in 1996 helped propel Florida to its first national title.

19 – Don Chandler
A two-way standout in the 1950s, Chandler went on to a successful NFL career as both a punter and kicker, winning multiple championships.

20 – Neal Anderson
A member of the legendary 1980s backfield, Anderson was a consistent performer who enjoyed a stellar NFL career with the Chicago Bears.

21 – Fred Taylor
Taylor’s bruising style and big-play ability made him a force in Gainesville and later in the NFL with the Jaguars. He’s a Gator legend.

22 – John L. Williams
A powerful fullback with soft hands, Williams was a key part of Florida’s offense in the 1980s and a longtime NFL veteran.

23 – Major Wright
An enforcer in the secondary, Wright’s big hits and timely interceptions helped power the Gators to the 2008 national championship.

24 – Chris Doering
Doering’s clutch catches and red zone dominance made him a Spurrier favorite. His game-winning TD vs. Kentucky remains legendary.

25 – Louis Oliver
A ball-hawk safety and All-American in the late 1980s, Oliver was a centerpiece of Florida’s defense and later a mainstay in the NFL.

26 – Keiwan Ratliff (early career)
Ratliff began his career in 26 before switching numbers, and even early on he showed the skills that made him one of Florida’s best defenders.

27 – Tony Lilly
An All-SEC safety and longtime NFL starter, Lilly brought toughness and smarts to the back end of Florida’s defense in the 1980s.

28 – Bo Carroll
A dynamic return man and tailback, Carroll’s speed made him one of the most exciting players during Florida’s late ’90s stretch.

29 – Bobby McCray
A key pass-rusher in the early 2000s, McCray later played a significant role on the Saints’ Super Bowl-winning defense.

30 – Earl Everett
Known for his relentless motor, Everett delivered one of the most iconic hits in Gator history in the 2006 BCS title game.

31 – Jarvis Williams
An All-American safety and later NFL standout, Williams helped usher in Florida’s defensive resurgence during the Galen Hall era.

32 – Ciatrick Fason
A do-it-all back who led the SEC in rushing in 2004, Fason was a bright spot during an otherwise unstable period for Florida.

33 – Brandon Spikes
The emotional leader of the 2008 and 2009 defenses, Spikes was a ferocious tackler, vocal leader, and two-time national champion.

34 – Mike Peterson
A hard-nosed linebacker who became a star in the NFL, Peterson was part of the 1996 national title team and a fan favorite.

35 – Alex Brown
One of the most productive pass-rushers in school history, Brown’s five-sack game vs. Tennessee remains an all-time performance.

36 – Dwayne Dixon
A reliable receiver in the 1980s, Dixon remains involved with the program and is regarded as one of its all-time great route-runners.

37 – Tony George
A tough safety and special teams contributor, George was known for his intelligence and leadership in the late 1990s.

38 – Travis McGriff
A fan favorite from a Gator family, McGriff had a monster senior season in 1998 and went on to play in the NFL.

39 – Johnny Rutledge
A fast and physical linebacker who played in the late ‘90s, Rutledge helped Florida remain elite on defense in the post-Spurrier era.

40 – Ahmad Fulwood (early)
Although he didn’t reach star status, Fulwood contributed as a role-playing wideout and was known for his versatility and team-first attitude.

41 – Andra Davis
A tackling machine in the early 2000s, Davis went on to a long NFL career and brought toughness to Florida’s linebacker corps.

42 – Tony Joiner
Joiner was a stabilizing force in the secondary and a captain of the 2007 defense, known for his leadership and big hits.

43 – James Bates
A key linebacker on the 1996 national championship team, Bates brought humor and heart to a hard-hitting defense.

44 – Jelani Jenkins
A modern-era linebacker with speed and coverage ability, Jenkins was a game-changer, including a walk-off TD return vs. Louisiana.

45 – Channing Crowder
Crowder’s two-year career in Gainesville was filled with impact plays, physical dominance, and SEC accolades before jumping to the NFL.

46 – D.J. Durkin (as player)
Before coaching, Durkin was a hard-nosed special teams ace and linebacker who earned the respect of teammates with his grit.

47 – Scot Brantley
A tackling machine from the 1970s, Brantley set the tone for future Gator linebackers with his toughness and football IQ.

48 – James Smith
A key defensive presence during the late ’80s, Smith was consistent and physical, anchoring a strong front seven.

49 – Ian Scott
A disruptive interior lineman in the early 2000s, Scott anchored the D-line and later played in the NFL for the Bears.

50 – Maurkice Pouncey
An All-American center and Rimington Trophy winner, Pouncey helped lead one of Florida’s best offensive lines in school history.

51 – Mike Pouncey
Like his twin brother, Mike was a dominant force on the O-line and became a first-round pick with a long NFL career.

52 – David Williams
An All-American offensive lineman in the 1980s, Williams was part of a dominant front that helped Florida make history.

53 – Max Starks
A two-time Super Bowl champion in the NFL, Starks was a consistent performer at left tackle for the Gators.

54 – Jon Bostic
A fierce tackler and emotional leader of the Muschamp-era defenses, Bostic delivered highlight hits and steady play.

55 – Dominique Easley
An explosive defensive tackle with violent hands and elite quickness, Easley was nearly unblockable when healthy.

56 – Kevin Carter
An All-American and longtime NFL pro, Carter anchored the D-line in the early 1990s and became a high first-round pick.

57 – Lomas Brown
A legendary left tackle, Brown is one of the greatest offensive linemen in Florida and NFL history, a true technician.

58 – Reggie Nelson (early)
Nelson briefly wore 58 before switching; his explosiveness and instinct made him a first-round pick and top safety.

59 – Johnny Nichols
A solid contributor on the offensive line during the 1990s, Nichols played a role in several top offenses.

60 – Shannon Snell
A mauling guard who paved the way for backs like Earnest Graham, Snell was a reliable starter throughout the early 2000s.

61–99
The final numbers belong to trenches — linemen, pass rushers, and specialists. From linemen like David Williams, Leonard George, and Ed Chester to more recent greats like Dante Fowler Jr. (No. 6 at Florida but later in the 90s in the NFL), each jersey number carries its own legacy.

Throughout decades, Florida Gators football has produced a lineage of greatness across every jersey number. Whether winning Heismans, SEC titles, or delivering unforgettable moments in The Swamp, these players etched their names into Gator history forever.