The penciled-in starting linebacker core for the Florida Gators were all named to the Butkus Award watch list. Senior linebackers Jon Bostic and Lerentee McCray, as well as junior linebacker Jelani Jenkins got the preseason nod for the award that recognizes the nation's most outstanding linebacker. Florida is only one of two schools to have three preseason nominees on the award list.

Bostic, Jenkins, as well as junior defensive lineman Sharrif Floyd made another watch list for the Rotary Lombardi award, given to the nation's best lineman or linebacker. Since the inception of both awards, no Florida player has ever come away with either trophy.