Florida Gators Lose Offensive Playmaker To Season-Ending Injury

After a rough start to the 2024 college football season, the Florida Gators received more disparaging news Friday, September 6, as wide receiver Kahleil Jackson underwent season-ending surgery to repair a torn ACL. It is believed that Jackson suffered the injury during practice on Monday.

Jackson, a redshirt junior, made one catch for 13 yards in Florida's 41-17 season-opening loss to the Miami Hurricanes. Last season, he registered 21 receptions for 251 yards and one touchdown.

Jackson joined the Gators' program as a walk-on in 2020, where he later earned a scholarship following the 2022 season.

Jackson is a Gators' legacy player as his father, Willie Jackson, played for the program from 1991-93. Not only did Kahleil's father don the Orange and Blue, but his grandfather Willie Jackson, Sr., was one of the first two Black scholarship football players at Florida. Additionally, his uncle, Terry Jackson, was a standout Gators running back in the 1990s.

While not an immediate starter, the injury to Jackson will undoubtedly test the Gators' receiving corp depth as the program continues through the season.

Florida will look to rebound off its season-opening loss when the Samford Bulldogs visit Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Sept. 7 for a 7:00 p.m. ET kickoff. The game will air on ESPN+ and SEC+.

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