Countdown to Kickoff: Legendary Gators Who Made No. 90 Iconic…Read More…

Countdown to Kickoff: Legendary Gators Who Made No. 90 Iconic…Read More…

With just 90 days separating Florida Gators fans from the roar of The Swamp and the electrifying energy of college football Saturdays, the countdown has officially begun. Every day that ticks off the calendar brings us closer to kickoff—and what better way to mark the milestone than by honoring the legends who’ve worn the number that matches the day?

Today, we spotlight the warriors who donned No. 90 for the Florida Gators—gritty linemen, relentless pass rushers, and unsung heroes who helped shape the identity of one of college football’s most storied programs.

The Power Behind the Number

In football, jersey numbers can be symbolic, tied to legacy, attitude, and expectations. No. 90 has traditionally belonged to the beasts in the trenches—defensive linemen who do the dirty work, disrupt plays, and leave offensive coordinators scrambling.

For the Florida Gators, No. 90 has been worn by men who brought toughness, edge, and sometimes, outright dominance to the field. From standout college careers to NFL aspirations, the players who’ve worn this number often carried with them the blue-collar grit that defines Florida’s defensive legacy.

Let’s take a deep dive into some of the most notable Gators to wear the number 90 and explore how they’ve left a lasting impression on the program.

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Ray McDonald (2003–2006)

Arguably the most recognizable name to wear No. 90 in the orange and blue, Ray McDonald was a key force on Florida’s defensive line during the Urban Meyer era. Standing at 6’3″ and weighing over 270 pounds, McDonald brought power and speed to the defensive end position.

In 2006, McDonald played a pivotal role in Florida’s national championship run. His ability to penetrate the backfield, defend the run, and collapse the pocket made him a nightmare for SEC offenses. He finished his senior year with 36 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 6 sacks, earning All-SEC honors.

After his standout college career, McDonald was selected in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers, where he carved out a solid professional career.

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Jonathan Bullard (2012–2015)

Though Bullard switched between jersey numbers during his time in Gainesville, he was known for briefly donning No. 90 and establishing himself as a high-motor disruptor on the defensive line.

In 2015, Bullard had a breakout season, racking up 66 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks. He was named a First-Team All-American and became a vocal leader on a defensive unit that finished among the nation’s best.

Bullard’s versatility—able to play inside as a defensive tackle or slide outside as an end—was a major asset for the Gators. His relentless energy and leadership earned him a third-round selection by the Chicago Bears in the 2016 NFL Draft.

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Kendall Langford (Brief Tenure – Honorable Mention)

While Langford made his name elsewhere in college, during a short stint in Gainesville’s football orbit, he practiced with NFL-bound skill and professionalism. Although not a long-term contributor in orange and blue, he’s occasionally included in Gators historical discussions due to pre-draft training associations. His long NFL career with teams like the Rams and Dolphins proves the potential he carried in a No. 90 jersey.

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Emerging Talent: Fresh Faces Taking Up the Mantle

As the Gators gear up for the 2025 season, eyes are now on the next generation. Redshirt freshman Elijah “Tank” Jefferson, a four-star recruit from Jacksonville, now wears No. 90 and is generating buzz. Coaches have praised his explosiveness off the line and relentless pursuit of the quarterback in spring practices.

Jefferson, who gained 25 pounds of muscle in the offseason, is expected to be part of Florida’s defensive rotation come fall. Though untested at the college level, he’s being compared to former Gator standouts and has made it clear: he plans to live up to the number.

“I know what this number means,” Jefferson told reporters. “When you put on No. 90 for Florida, you’re expected to set the tone. I’m here to make sure offenses remember my name.”

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The Legacy Continues

The number 90 may not get the same spotlight as a quarterback’s No. 15 or a receiver’s flashy digits, but make no mistake—some of the Gators’ most important battles have been won in the trenches by players wearing No. 90.

Whether stuffing the run, sacking a rival QB, or creating the chaos that leads to a game-changing interception, these players were—and are—the engine room of Florida’s defense.

As the countdown to kickoff continues, each day offers a chance to reflect on the legends who laid the foundation for today’s team. With 90 days left, we honor those who’ve made No. 90 a badge of toughness, pride, and Gator greatness.

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Looking Ahead

This fall, all eyes will be on The Swamp. With an aggressive defense, new energy under the lights, and the ghosts of Gator greats in the air, the 2025 season holds promise. And maybe—just maybe—No. 90 will once again be the number offensive coordinators fear the most.

So gear up, Gator Nation. We’re just 90 days away. And when the whistle blows and the pads clash, expect No. 90 to be right in the middle of it.