How to watch: Sat, 09/13 , 7:30PM/EST – ABC
Florida’s offense has gone through plenty of turnover in recent seasons, but one constant in 2025 is senior center Jake Slaughter. The sixth year veteran from Ocala has steadily worked his way from rotational depth to being the heart of Florida’s offensive line. Slaughter is entering his second full season as a starter and has earned praise for his toughness, leadership, and steady hand in the middle. He now faces perhaps the toughest assignment of the year:
a Week 3 showdown against LSU’s relentless defensive front.
At 6’3” and 310 pounds, Slaughter profiles as a mobile, technically sound pivot. He’s quick off the snap, comfortable in zone blocking, and flashes the ability to climb to the second level to seal linebackers. His football IQ is one of his calling cards making line calls, adjusting protections, and keeping a young quarterback on schedule. While not an overpowering mauler, his leverage and hand placement often win the rep. NFL scouts will want to see if he can consistently anchor against elite power rushers, something that has occasionally been a challenge against bigger SEC tackles.
This Saturday, Slaughter draws LSU a program that annually produces NFL defensive line talent. The Tigers’ front seven features not only size but twitchy interior rushers who can collapse a pocket in a hurry. For Slaughter, this matchup will test every part of his game. His ability to identify blitz packages, hold ground against bull rushes, and stay disciplined against stunts and twists. In particular, LSU’s ability to generate pressure without blitzing means Slaughter’s one-on-one battles inside will be critical to Florida’s offensive rhythm.
For the Jets, the interior offensive line picture could shift quickly. With Alijah Vera-Tucker going down to injury, the staff slid Joe Tippmann out to right guard. If Tippmann settles in at guard long term, suddenly the Jets may find themselves back in the market for a true center. That’s where a prospect like Jake Slaughter comes into play. He’s not the flashiest name in the 2026 class, but he brings steadiness, experience, and the ability to handle protections in the middle the kind of traits the Jets could value if they decide Tippmann’s future is at guard rather than at center.
