The Florida Gators football program continues to build momentum ahead of the 2024 season, as four standout players have been recognized on Phil Steele’s prestigious Preseason All-America teams. This honor highlights the individual talent within the Gators’ roster and underscores the potential for a resurgence in Gainesville under head coach Billy Napier. The four players—representing both offense and defense—have earned their spots through exceptional performances and are poised to lead Florida into a critical year.
Leading the way for the Gators is offensive lineman Kingsley Eguakun, a veteran presence in the trenches who has been a consistent force for Florida. Eguakun, a redshirt senior, has been named to Steele’s Preseason All-America Third Team, a testament to his dominance as a center. Known for his intelligence, strength, and leadership, Eguakun has been the anchor of the Gators’ offensive line, providing stability in both pass protection and run blocking. His ability to read defenses and make line calls has been invaluable, and his inclusion on this list reaffirms his status as one of the nation’s top interior linemen.
Joining Eguakun on the offensive side is Graham Mertz, the Gators’ starting quarterback, who earned a spot on the Fourth Team. Mertz, a transfer from Wisconsin, had a breakout season in 2023, silencing critics with his poise, accuracy, and decision-making. He completed over 72% of his passes, throwing for more than 2,900 yards with 20 touchdowns and just three interceptions. His efficiency and command of Napier’s offense make him one of the most reliable quarterbacks in the SEC. With another year in the system, Mertz is expected to elevate his game further, and this preseason recognition reflects the high expectations surrounding his 2024 campaign.
On the defensive side, linebacker Shemar James has been tabbed as a Fourth Team Preseason All-American after a stellar 2023 season. James emerged as one of the SEC’s most dynamic linebackers, showcasing sideline-to-sideline speed, explosive tackling, and elite instincts. He finished last season with over 70 tackles, including several for loss, and proved to be a disruptive force in both run defense and pass coverage. As the leader of Florida’s defense, James will be crucial in turning around a unit that has shown flashes of dominance but needs more consistency. His inclusion on this list signals that he is on the radar as one of the nation’s top linebackers heading into the fall.
Rounding out the Gators’ honorees is Jason Marshall Jr., a cornerback who landed on the Fourth Team. Marshall, a senior, has been a lockdown defender in the SEC for years, using his length, athleticism, and ball skills to neutralize opposing receivers. Despite playing in a conference loaded with elite passing attacks, Marshall has consistently held his own, breaking up multiple passes and providing tight coverage in critical moments. With NFL scouts already high on his potential, this could be the year Marshall solidifies himself as a first-round talent, and his Preseason All-America nod is a step in that direction.
The recognition of these four players by Phil Steele—a respected analyst known for his thorough evaluations—speaks volumes about the talent Florida has returning in 2024. While the Gators are coming off a season that fell short of expectations, the presence of multiple All-Americans suggests that the foundation is in place for a turnaround. Eguakun’s leadership on the offensive line, Mertz’s steady hand at quarterback, James’ playmaking at linebacker, and Marshall’s shutdown ability in the secondary give Florida key pieces to compete in the brutal SEC.
For Billy Napier, this preseason acknowledgment of his players is both an encouragement and a challenge. It validates the progress made in recruiting and development but also raises the stakes for the upcoming season. The Gators will need these All-Americans to play up to their billing—and for others to step up—if they hope to navigate a schedule that includes powerhouses like Georgia, LSU, Texas, and Ole Miss.
Beyond individual accolades, the bigger question is whether these standouts can elevate the entire team. Florida has not won an SEC title since 2008, and the fan base is hungry for a return to national relevance. If Eguakun can pave the way for a dominant rushing attack, if Mertz can continue his efficient passing, if James can anchor an aggressive defense, and if Marshall can lock down half the field, the Gators could surprise many this season.
Preseason awards are ultimately just projections, but they set the stage for what could be a defining year for Florida football. These four Gators have the talent to live up to the hype—and if they do, the team’s fortunes could rise with them. As fall camp approaches, all eyes will be on these All-Americans to lead the charge and help restore the Gators to their place among college football’s elite.
