Eugene Wilson injury update: Billy Napier provides critical news on Florida WR

Eugene Wilson III was primed and poised for a breakout year in the 2024 campaign for the Florida Gators. The problem is, he’s been recovering from a meniscus injury he suffered in the Samford game. According to GatorsOnline’s Zach Abolverdi, Gators head coach Billy Napier provided an update on his star wideout on Wednesday evening and it’s just the news Florida fans want to hear.

Their star is trending in the right direction and took some practice reps on Wednesday.

“We feel good about his progress. … Has done some things in practice. He took some reps today,” Napier said. According to GatorsOnline’s Nick de la Torre, his status is still up in the air for Saturday’s game against UCF.

So far in the 2024 campaign, Wilson has hauled in 13 catches for 191 yards and a touchdown, ranking second on the team in total catches and receiving yards, despite missing time due to his injury. Once he does return to action, he is poised to become one of the best young receivers in all of college football.

Eugene Wilson III as a true freshman

Wilson led all FBS true freshmen in receptions per game (6.1) in 2023 while ranking second in catches (61), tied-second in receiving TDs (six), fourth in receiving YPG (53.8) and seventh in receiving yards (538). He was the first Florida true freshman to eclipse 500 receiving yards since Antonio Callaway in 2015.

Wilson set a UF freshman record last season with a career-high 11 receptions against Georgia. In Week 10 vs. Arkansas, he also became the first true freshman receiver at Florida to record multiple touchdowns in a contest since Riley Cooper recorded three in 2006 against Western Carolina.

Wilson was named an On3 True Freshman All-American and Freshman All-SEC. He also earned Freshman All-American honors from FWAA and 247Sports.

GatorsOnline’s Zach Alboverdi also contributed to this article.