# Gators WR Opts Out of Season, Interim HC Billy Gonzales Confirms

# Gators WR Opts Out of Season, Interim HC Billy Gonzales Confirms

The Florida Gators’ turbulent season took another unexpected twist on Saturday morning when interim head coach Billy Gonzales confirmed that standout wide receiver Tre Wilson has opted out of the remainder of the 2025 season. The announcement comes just a week after the firing of head coach Billy Napier, adding yet another layer of uncertainty to a program already in transition.

Speaking to reporters after the team’s walkthrough, Gonzales addressed the decision with a tone that mixed disappointment and understanding.

> “Tre’s been through a lot this season,” Gonzales said. “He’s an incredible competitor and one of the hardest workers I’ve been around, but after discussions with his family and advisors, he’s decided it’s best to step away and focus on his future. We respect that decision and wish him nothing but the best.”

Wilson, a sophomore who emerged as Florida’s most explosive offensive weapon in 2024, had been nursing a minor ankle injury since midseason but was expected to return soon. Instead, he’ll now prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft, where scouts already project him as a potential early-round pick thanks to his elite speed and route-running ability.

A Season of Struggles and Setbacks

Wilson’s decision to opt out is a blow to a Gators offense that has struggled to find rhythm or consistency. Before his exit, Wilson led Florida with 54 receptions for 728 yards and six touchdowns, often serving as a safety valve for freshman quarterback DJ Lagway. His absence leaves a major void in both production and leadership.

The timing couldn’t be worse for a team still reeling from the fallout of Napier’s firing. Florida sits at 4–6, needing to win out to secure bowl eligibility — a tall task given upcoming matchups against LSU and Florida State.

For Gonzales, who stepped into the interim head coaching role after serving as wide receivers coach, Wilson’s departure is both a professional and personal hit. The two have worked closely since Wilson arrived in Gainesville as a four-star recruit out of Tampa’s Gaither High School.

> “You build bonds with these kids,” Gonzales said. “You see them grow up, and you want what’s best for them. Of course, we’d love to have him on the field, but I’ll never stand in the way of a player making a decision he believes is right for his career.”

Locker Room Reaction

Inside the locker room, Wilson’s decision was met with a mix of surprise and support. Multiple players, speaking anonymously, said they sensed he was wrestling with the choice for weeks.

> “Tre loves football, man,” one veteran player said. “He’s not the kind of dude to quit. But it’s been a tough season. I think he just felt like it was time to focus on staying healthy and getting ready for the next level.”

Team leaders like running back Trevor Etienne and tight end Arlis Boardingham have already stepped up, emphasizing the need for unity as the season winds down. Gonzales, too, has been preaching resilience and accountability in his first week as interim coach.

> “We’re not going to make excuses,” Gonzales said. “We’ve still got a lot of football left to play, and this team has plenty of guys ready to step up.”

Next Man Up

With Wilson gone, attention turns to younger receivers like Aidan Mizell, Marcus Burke, and Andy Jean, all of whom are expected to see increased snaps. Mizell, a former top-100 recruit, flashed promise earlier this year but has battled inconsistency. Gonzales said this is a “big opportunity” for the next generation of Gators receivers to prove they can carry the load.

> “This is what college football is about — development,” Gonzales said. “We’ve got guys who’ve been waiting for their moment. Now it’s here.”

The Gators’ offensive scheme may also shift slightly under Gonzales. Known for his aggressive passing game during previous stints under Dan Mullen, Gonzales could look to open up the playbook and let Lagway air it out in the final stretch.

A Reflection of a Program in Transition

Wilson’s opt-out is the latest in a growing list of departures and uncertainties surrounding the Florida program. Since Napier’s dismissal, several recruits have decommitted, and transfer portal whispers are already swirling around key players.

Still, Gonzales insists his focus is on stabilizing the locker room and finishing strong.

> “We owe it to this university, to each other, and to the fans to fight through this,” he said. “Adversity reveals who you are. That’s what this next few weeks will show.”

For Wilson, the decision to step away may ultimately prove wise. His draft stock remains high, and he avoids further injury risk as Florida rebuilds. For the Gators, however, his absence underscores the challenges of maintaining stability in an era of NIL, transfer portals, and constant turnover.

As Florida heads into its final games, the message from Gonzales is clear: the program may be battered, but it’s not broken.

> “This is Florida,” Gonzales said, his voice steady. “We’ve been through rough times before. We’ll get through this, too.”

With Wilson gone and Gonzales now steering the ship, the Gators’ closing stretch will be less about wins and losses — and more about rediscovering pride, purpose, and the fo

undation for whatever comes next in Gainesville.