The Greatest Florida Gators Football Players Ever by Jersey Number: A Legendary Legacy
The Florida Gators football program has produced some of the most iconic players in college football history. From Heisman Trophy winners to All-Americans and NFL legends, the Gators’ rich tradition is reflected in the numbers they wore. Here’s a definitive look at the greatest Florida Gators football players ever by jersey number.
#1 – Wilber Marshall (LB, 1980-83)
One of the most dominant defensive players in school history, Wilber Marshall was a two-time All-American and the 1983 SEC Defensive Player of the Year. His ferocious tackling and playmaking ability set the standard for future Gators linebackers.
#2 – Percy Harvin (WR/RB, 2006-08)
A dynamic offensive weapon, Percy Harvin was a key piece of Florida’s 2006 and 2008 national championships. His speed and versatility made him nearly unstoppable, earning him All-American honors.
#3 – Tim Tebow (QB, 2006-09)
The most iconic player in Florida football history, Tim Tebow won the 2007 Heisman Trophy and led the Gators to two national titles (2006, 2008). His leadership, toughness, and unmatched production (9,285 total yards, 145 TDs) make him an all-time legend.
#4 – Lito Sheppard (CB, 1999-2001)
A shutdown cornerback, Lito Sheppard was a two-time All-SEC selection and a key part of Florida’s elite defenses in the early 2000s. His playmaking ability extended to special teams as a dangerous return man.
#5 – Fred Taylor (RB, 1994-97)
One of the greatest running backs in Gators history, Fred Taylor rushed for 3,075 yards and 31 touchdowns. His powerful running style and breakaway speed made him a future NFL star.
#6 – Danny Wuerffel (QB, 1993-96)
The 1996 Heisman Trophy winner, Danny Wuerffel led Florida to its first national championship under Steve Spurrier. His pinpoint accuracy (10,875 passing yards, 114 TDs) defined the “Fun ‘n’ Gun” offense.
#7 – Rex Grossman (QB, 2000-02)
A Heisman finalist in 2001, Rex Grossman was one of the most prolific passers in school history, throwing for 9,164 yards and 77 touchdowns. His fearless play cemented his legacy.
#8 – Emmitt Smith (RB, 1987-89)
The NFL’s all-time leading rusher began his career at Florida, where he rushed for 3,928 yards and 36 TDs in just three seasons. His vision and toughness made him an instant legend.
#9 – Jevon Kearse (LB/DE, 1996-98)
Nicknamed “The Freak” for his athleticism, Jevon Kearse was a dominant pass rusher who helped Florida win the 1996 national title. His explosiveness set the tone for future Gators defenders.
#10 – Chris Leak (QB, 2003-06)
The quarterback who brought Florida back to glory, Chris Leak led the Gators to the 2006 national championship, setting the stage for Tim Tebow’s rise.
#11 – Steve Spurrier (QB, 1964-66)
Before becoming the “Head Ball Coach,” Spurrier won the 1966 Heisman Trophy as Florida’s quarterback. His legacy as a player and coach is unmatched.
#12 – Kyle Trask (QB, 2016-20)
A late bloomer who became a star, Kyle Trask threw for 4,283 yards and 43 TDs in 2020, leading one of the most explosive offenses in school history.
#15 – Doug Johnson (QB, 1996-99)
A strong-armed passer in Spurrier’s system, Doug Johnson threw for 7,114 yards and 62 TDs, keeping Florida among the nation’s elite in the late 1990s.
#16 – Kerwin Bell (QB, 1984-87)
A walk-on turned star, Kerwin Bell was a two-time All-SEC quarterback who threw for 7,585 yards and 56 TDs, embodying the underdog spirit.
#18 – Kyle Pitts (TE, 2018-20)
The most dominant tight end in Florida history, Kyle Pitts won the 2020 Mackey Award after a 770-yard, 12-TD season, redefining the position.
#19 – Ike Hilliard (WR, 1994-96)
A key weapon on the 1996 title team, Ike Hilliard’s clutch catches (2,214 yards, 29 TDs) made him one of Florida’s greatest receivers.
#20 – Louis Oliver (S, 1985-88)
A hard-hitting safety, Louis Oliver was a two-time All-American who set the standard for physical play in Florida’s secondary.
#21 – Ahmad Black (S, 2007-10)
A ball-hawking safety, Ahmad Black was a leader on Florida’s 2008 national championship team, known for his clutch interceptions.
#22 – Ciatrick Fason (RB, 2002-04)
A powerful runner, Ciatrick Fason rushed for 1,267 yards in 2004, earning All-SEC honors before heading to the NFL.
#25 – Vernell Brown (CB, 2002-05)
An undersized but fearless cornerback, Vernell Brown was a fan favorite and a key contributor on Florida’s mid-2000s defenses.
#28 – Errict Rhett (RB, 1990-93)
Florida’s all-time leading rusher (4,163 yards), Errict Rhett was a workhorse back who carried the Gators’ offense in the early 1990s.
#33 – Neal Anderson (RB, 1982-85)
Before Emmitt Smith, Neal Anderson was Florida’s star running back, rushing for 3,234 yards and earning All-American honors.
#40 – Scot Brantley (LB, 1976-79)
A tackling machine, Scot Brantley was a two-time All-SEC linebacker and one of the toughest defenders in school history.
#44 – Jack Youngblood (DE, 1968-70)
A College Football Hall of Famer, Jack Youngblood was a dominant defensive end who later became an NFL legend.
#55 – David Little (LB, 1977-80)
A relentless linebacker, David Little was a two-time All-American and one of Florida’s all-time great defensive leaders.
#56 – Brandon Spikes (LB, 2006-09)
The heart of Florida’s 2008 national championship defense, Brandon Spikes was a ferocious tackler and leader.
#73 – Mike Pouncey (OL, 2007-10)
A dominant offensive lineman, Mike Pouncey was a key blocker for Florida’s high-powered offenses under Urban Meyer.
#88 – Carlos Alvarez (WR, 1969-71)
One of Florida’s first superstar receivers, Carlos Alvarez set records with 2,563 receiving yards and 19 TDs in just three seasons.
#96 – Alex Brown (DE, 1998-2001)
A relentless pass rusher, Alex Brown was a two-time All-American and holds the school record for sacks in a game (5).
#99 – Jachai Polite (DE, 2016-18)
A disruptive force off the edge, Jachai Polite recorded 11 sacks in 2018, earning All-American honors.
From Heisman winners to defensive legends, these players defined Florida Gators football. Their numbers live on as symbols of excellence, inspiring future generations of Gators to chase greatness.
