Florida's LJ McCray named Comeback Player of the Week after Texas win
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Florida's LJ McCray named Comeback Player of the Week after Texas win
Adam Dubbin, Gators Wire·Gators Wire
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1 min read
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Floridafootball's third-year defensive lineman LJ McCray was named Comeback Player of the Week following his performance in the Gators' 27-24 upset of Texas in Austin, the College Sports Communicators announced on Tuesday.
Each week, three offensive players and three defensive players are honored.
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The Daytona, Florida, native had a career day against theLonghornsin Week 7, recording four tackles (three solo), 1.5 sacks and 2.5 tackles for loss — all career highs — helping the Gators earn their largest comeback win against a ranked SEC opponent in a true road game.
Near the end of the third quarter, McCray had back-to-back plays where he registered a tackle for loss for two yards and then half a sack for seven yards to stifle a Texas drive; Florida would obtain its first lead of the day at 20-17 on the ensuing drive.
McCray was named to the College Football Comeback Player of the Year preseason watch list after a 2025 season that saw him make only one appearance for the Gators before missing the rest of the year due to injury. Through seven games, McCray has already set career highs in sacks with 2.5 and tackles for loss with 4.5, while making 12 total tackles (nine solo).
Next up, Florida has a bye week before facing Georgia in the annual rivalry game on Saturday, Oct. 31, in Atlanta. ABC will broadcast the matchup starting at 3:30 p.m. ET.
Oct 17, 2026; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns Head Coach Steve Sarkisian talks with Florida Gators Head Coach Jon Sumrall before a game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
(Scott Wachter, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 17, 2026; Austin, Texas, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. (9) throws a pass during the first half against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
(Scott Wachter, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 17, 2026; Austin, Texas, USA; Florida Gators wide receiver Dallas Wilson (6) reaches for a pass while defended by Texas Longhorns defensive back Bo Mascoe (5) during the first half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
(Scott Wachter, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 17, 2026; Austin, Texas, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. (9) keeps the ball for yards while defended by Texas Longhorns defensive back Kade Phillips (8) and Jelani McDonald (4) during the first half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
(Scott Wachter, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Top highlights from Florida at Texas in Week 7
Oct 17, 2026; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns Head Coach Steve Sarkisian talks with Florida Gators Head Coach Jon Sumrall before a game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
(Scott Wachter, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Top highlights from Florida at Texas in Week 7
Oct 17, 2026; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns Head Coach Steve Sarkisian talks with Florida Gators Head Coach Jon Sumrall before a game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
(Scott Wachter, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Tramell Jones Jr. earns offensive player of the game in upset victory
Oct 17, 2026; Austin, Texas, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. (9) throws a pass during the first half against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
(Scott Wachter, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Florida sneaks back into USAT re-rank top 25 after beating Texas
Oct 17, 2026; Austin, Texas, USA; Florida Gators wide receiver Dallas Wilson (6) reaches for a pass while defended by Texas Longhorns defensive back Bo Mascoe (5) during the first half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
(Scott Wachter, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Top highlights from Florida at Texas in Week 7
Oct 17, 2026; Austin, Texas, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. (9) keeps the ball for yards while defended by Texas Longhorns defensive back Kade Phillips (8) and Jelani McDonald (4) during the first half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
(Scott Wachter, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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