Gators’ Eugene Wilson III: A star on the rise again
This week, Pro Football Focus released its top-10 wide receivers returning to college for the 2025 season. Included in that group was Florida Gators’ Eugene Wilson III, who came in at No. 10.
A former On3 5-star prospect from Tampa (Fla.) Gaither, Wilson is looking to rebound in a major way after missing most of last season due to injuries, resulting in a redshirt. He finished with 19 receptions for 266 yards and one touchdown but has the potential to become a 1,000-yard target for DJ Lagway.
“Wilson played in just four games this past season following knee and hip surgeries. His electric true freshman season was enough to earn him a spot on this list, though, with his 81.5 PFF receiving grade that year being a top-20 mark among Power Four wideouts, as well as his 480 yards after the catch and 18 forced missed tackles,” Pro Football Focus said this week.
“Wilson was utilized mostly underneath during his freshman year with a conservative quarterback in Graham Mertz, but that should change next year with a gunslinger in DJ Lagway under center. Expect Wilson to bounce back in a major way.”
Eugene Wilson III flashed greatness in Year 1
After arriving in Gainesville as a 5-star recruit, Wilson wasted little time establishing himself as one of the top up-and-coming pass catchers.
As a true freshman, Wilson hauled in 61 receptions for 538 yards and six touchdowns. He made multiple freshman All-American squads, with one being selected by On3. Additionally, Wilson was an All-SEC freshman selection and caught 11 passes for 75 yards and one touchdown against No. 1-ranked Georgia.
Wilson’s strong play then carried over to 2024 despite having only appeared in four games. He caught seven passes in the season opener against Miami and then followed that up with a career-high 141 receiving yards and one touchdown the following week vs. Samford.
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However, it ended up being an up-an-down season that had Wilson questionable nearly every week. He then decided to shut it down and received season-ending hip surgery in early November.
“Tre’s injury has been lingering,” UF coach Billy Napier said at the time. “It’s been an issue that he’s had for quite a while that we’ve been navigating. I think at times he’s been able to produce and then there will be setbacks.”
Now, Wilson is ready to make another splash and obviously expectations are very high for many, including Pro Football Focus. He will need to step in a big way with Florida losing its top-two receivers from last season in Elijhah Badger and Chimere Dike. If anyone can do it though, it’s Wilson.
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