Jake Slaughter earns All-America honors and returns to Florida for final season

Florida center Jake Slaughter received Associated Press first-team All-America honors but will return for his final season instead of entering the NFL draft. He was the highest-graded center by Pro Football Focus but did not make any All-SEC teams. Coach Billy Napier praised Slaughter's leadership as the Gators prepare for the Gasparilla Bowl against Tulane. Florida's offensive line is expected to improve, having allowed only 19 sacks this season, a significant decrease from 39 the previous year. In other news, long-snapper Rocco Underwood won the 2024 Mannelly Award, and Tim Tebow received the David Siegel Hero Award for his humanitarian efforts. The Gators are 14-point favorites against Tulane in their upcoming game.