Florida’s leading wide receiver, Eugene “Tre” Wilson III, underwent minor knee surgery this week, according to multiple reports on Thursday.
The surgery is not expected to be season-ending, but Wilson had already been ruled out for Saturday’s game against Mississippi State, as noted in the SEC’s availability report released Wednesday night.
With this injury, the Gators (1-2, 0-1 SEC) and head coach Billy Napier, who is under pressure, are left searching for a replacement just three games into the season.
Kahleil Jackson (knee), the Week 1 starter, is out for the season, and senior Ja’Quavion Fraziars will miss his fourth straight game. Freshman Tank Hawkins is questionable for the matchup against the Bulldogs. This situation may force Napier to rely on redshirt freshman Aidan Mizell, reserve Marcus Burke, or former walk-on Taylor Spierto to join starters Elijhah Badger and Chimere Dike.
“We’re definitely a better team with Tre Wilson for sure,” Napier said.
Wilson, a sophomore from Tampa and the son of a two-time Super Bowl-winning safety, leads the team with 13 receptions for 191 yards and one touchdown in two games.
He injured his knee in a 45-7 win over Samford two weeks ago and was a game-time decision against Texas A&M. Although he warmed up before the game, he was not suited up when the Gators took the field. Florida lost the game 33-20.
“He woke up the next day, and I think we’ve figured out what it is,” Napier said. “So all good.”
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