Players to keep an eye on as Florida Football wraps up the season at rival FSU

The Florida Football-Florida State rivalry is special for many in-state players who were recruited by both schools.

Florida Gators second-year cornerback Dijon Johnson, a Tampa native, was recruited by FSU and committed to Ohio State University before transferring to UF.

“My dad’s family, they’re all Florida State fans,” Johnson said. “They’re on the opposing side, so it’s personal to show them why I chose Florida.”

Florida (6-5, 4-4 SEC) will look to end its two-game losing streak in this rivalry when it takes on the Seminoles (2-9, 1-7 ACC) on Saturday night (7 p.m., ESPN2).

With a win, Florida can post its first winning season since 2020 and extend its winning streak to three games at the conclusion of the regular season.

“It’s a great opportunity for the team to get our seventh win and build momentum heading into the bowl game and into next season,” Johnson said.

Here are five players to keep an eye on when UF takes on FSU:

Florida Football QB DJ Lagway

As a true freshman, Lagway is 4-1 as a starter and will get his first taste of the Florida-Florida State rivalry. To date, the 6-foot-1, 220-pound Lagway has played with a poise and maturity that belies his 19-year-old age, throwing for 1,477 yards with nine touchdowns and six interceptions this season. The key is for Lagway to avoid mistakes and get the ball into the hands of the UF playmakers.

Florida football RB Montrell Johnson

Johnson recorded his second 100-yard rushing game of the season and first since Aug. 31 against Miami. He ran for 107 yards on 18 carries and a touchdown in UF’s 24-17 upset win over No. 9 Ole Miss. The 5-11, 216-pound Johnson could be in for another big day against an FSU defense that ranks last in the ACC and 106th nationally in run defense (181.1 ypg allowed). This season, Johnson rushed for 494 yards and five touchdowns on 5.5 yards per carry.

Florida football WR Elijhah Badger

Badger had another strong performance against Ole Miss, finishing the game with five catches for 87 yards and a TD, including 62 yards after the catch. This season, the 192-pound Badger ranks third in the SEC in receiving with 35 catches for 778 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Florida football DT Caleb Banks

The 6-6, 325-pound Banks was named SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week after recording four tackles for a loss and 2.5 sacks in UF’s 24-17 win over No. 9 Ole Miss. For the season, Banks, a transfer from Louisville, recorded 21 tackles, seven tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks.

“We both came in the winter of 2023 and he was one of the most competitive and hungry players I noticed right out of the gate,” said Kamran James, a second-year defensive lineman at Florida. “Now he’s just showing it.”

Florida S Bryce Thornton

The 5-10, 210-pound Thornton was a pleasant surprise on the back end of Florida’s defense with 34 tackles, one tackle for loss, two pass breakups and a team-high three interceptions.

“Bryce was a big bright spot and has developed tremendously,” said Florida football coach Billy Napier.

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