Former five-star recruit LJ McCray will return to the Florida Gators for the 2026 season, marking a significant moment for the football program. McCray, who was a standout in the 2024 recruiting class, announced his decision on Tuesday after re-signing with Florida Victorious, the official NIL collective partner of the Gators. This announcement comes as the team prepares for a critical off-season ahead of the upcoming NCAA Transfer Portal opening.
McCray’s Journey with the Gators
McCray expressed his enthusiasm for returning to his “dream school.” He stated, “It means everything. My goal was always to be a Gator, and I never really thought about leaving.” His commitment is bolstered by the support of coaches Brad White and Gerald Chatman, who have shown strong belief in his abilities and potential.
During his freshman season in 2024, McCray made an impact as a rotational edge rusher, accumulating 12 tackles, one tackle for loss, half a sack, and five quarterback hurries. He finished the season with the second-most quarterback hurries on the team. Unfortunately, his sophomore season was marred by injuries. A lower-body injury sustained during fall camp sidelined him for the season opener against Long Island, and a subsequent foot injury against South Florida required season-ending surgery.
Despite these challenges, McCray received a redshirt, allowing him to retain three years of eligibility. Reflecting on his injury-riddled season, he remarked, “It was frustrating, mainly because I couldn’t be out there with my teammates. That was the hardest part—not being able to battle with my guy.” He emphasized that the experience has made him more determined and mature, stating, “It taught me that you can’t control everything. No matter what’s going on, you have to show up and work every day.”
Team Dynamics and Future Prospects
McCray is not alone in his decision to return, as he is the third Gator to confirm plans to remain with the program on the same day. Tramell Jones Jr., a quarterback, and cornerback J’Vari Flowers also announced their intentions to stay. Several other players, including defensive backs and linemen, have also confirmed their return, which speaks to the team’s commitment to building a competitive roster.
The Gators are actively working to retain various players ahead of the NCAA Transfer Portal, which opens on January 2, 2024. Key players such as receiver Dallas Wilson, running back Jadan Baugh, and defensive lineman Michai Boireau are at the center of this effort. Boireau has already declared his intention to enter the portal.
Head coach Sumrall emphasized the importance of retaining current team members, stating, “Roster building starts with our current team. Retention in these days of the college football world is the most important thing to build a team.” He believes that keeping players like McCray will be crucial for the program’s success moving forward.
As the Gators prepare for the upcoming season, McCray’s return and the retention of other key players will be vital in solidifying the team’s strength and strategy. The program’s focus on nurturing talent and developing competitive athletes continues to take center stage as they navigate the complexities of college football.
