CB Ben Hanks III returning to Florida football for 2026 season

Florida freshman cornerback Ben Hanks III re-signed with the Gators for the 2026 season, according to Swamp247 and Gators Online.

Hanks was strongly expected to return, but he hadn't made things official yet. That changed on Friday when he signed a new deal with Florida Victorious.

A former four-star recruit who signed with Florida as a member of the 2025 class, Hanks played sparingly as a true freshman. He made his debut at cornerback agaisnt Mississippi State in week and was thrust into action against Tennessee and Florida State after injuries ravaged the Gators' secondary. Hanks made his first career start against the Seminoles.

He played 148 snaps total, ending the season with eight total tackles (seven solo), two pass breakups and an interception. Hanks was able to redshirt, giving him four more years of eligibility. Pro Football Focus gave him a 64.3 overall defensive grade, a 70.5 run defense grade, a 57.3 tackling grade, a 58.3 pass rushing grade and a 62.6 coverage grade last year.

Florida players who have re-signed with the Gators

While Florida has lost more than two dozen players to the transfer portal, several notable names have publicly announced their intention to re-sign with the Gators.

Quarterback Tramell Jones Jr., running back Jadan Baugh, wide receivers TJ Abrams, Vernell Brown III and Dallas Wilson, offensive linemen Caden Jones, Roderick Kearney and Fletcher Westphal, defensive linemen Joseph Mbatchou and Jeramiah McCloud, edges Kamran James and LJ McCray, linebackers Aaron Chiles and Myles Graham and defensive backs Lagonza Hayward, Dijon Johnson, Cormani McClain, Drake Stubbs, and Bryce Thornton have also announced new deals with Florida Victorious.

Tight end Amir Jackson also reversed his decision to enter the transfer portal. Offensive lineman Jason Zandamela is expected to return as well.

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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida Gators football re-signs CB Ben Hanks III for 2026