Florida football offensive lineman Austin Barber announced on Tuesday in Tampa that he will be returning to the Gators for the 2025 season.
“Yeah, I’m gonna come back for my final year here at the University of Florida,” Barber said. “I’m excited to be back with the team and all these guys I have been here with.”
Barber, a redshirt junior, has distinguished himself with his work ethic and effectiveness, especially in high-pressure situations. His performance this season has been great, helping the Gators achieve one of the lowest sack rates in the SEC.
Barber’s skills in both pass protection and run blocking have made him one of the team’s most reliable and versatile linemen.
According to Pro Football Focus, Barber had a pass-blocking grade of 70.2, a run-blocking grade of 66.9 and a total offensive grade of 66.7.
Barber started all 12 games at left tackle, logged a total of 664 snaps and was named SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week in Week 4.
The Jacksonville native’s return for his fifth and final season is expected to not only bolster the Gators’ offensive line but also provide a mentorship role for the younger players stepping into the program.
With Barber’s leadership and talent anchoring the line for one more season, the Gators’ offensive unit is positioned to be a formidable force in the SEC.
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