Florida football WR Kahleil Jackson done for 2024 season after suffering torn ACL

Florida football junior starter wide receiver Kahleil Jackson is done for the 2024 season after suffering a torn ACL, a source confirmed to the Sun on Saturday.

A former Hawthorne High standout, the 6-foot-3, 215-pound Jackson emerged as a reliable possession receiver for the Florida Gators in 2023, finishing with 21 catches for 251 yards and one TD in nine starts.

Jackson had one catch for 13 yards last week against Miami. His father, Willie Jackson, was a UF star wide receiver in the 1990s. Grandfather, Willie Jackson Sr., was the first African American player to appear in a Florida football game — versus Duke in 1970.

Florida football turns to Elijhah Badger

With Jackson out, Arizona State transfer Elijhah Badger is poised to make his first start for Florida on Saturday night when the Gators host Samford at The Swamp (7 p.m., SEC Network Plus). Badger had three catches for 43 yards in UF's season opener against the Hurricanes.

"He made a few plays Saturday and then I think this week you see just a little bit different level of confidence," Napier said. "I think he settled in a little bit. Big move for him, obviously, big game to start the year, unsure of what it would be like and then for him to experience some success I think was a positive.

"He’s had a good week. Marcus Burke has had a phenomenal week. Moved him outside behind Elijhah. He’s had a really good week, And I think as those guys get more experience and have some production, they get more confident."

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Florida football WR Kahleil Jackson done for 2024 season after suffering torn ACL