What happened to Kahleil Jackson? Florida WR's dad Willie Jackson provides crucial update

Kahleil Jackson will miss the rest of the 2024 college football season after suffering a torn ACL. The Florida wide receiver's father confirmed the news on Friday following a successful surgery.

“He’s okay — doing well,” said Jackson’s father, legendary Gators receiver Willie Jackson. “We had to get (the surgery) done to try to get back next season.”

Jackson also shared on his social media that he'd undergone a successful surgery following the injury that is believed to have occurred in practice.

“Surgery went good. Appreciate everybody that checked up on me,” Jackson wrote.

Jackson saw limited game time in the opening game against Miami, recording a reception for 13 yards as the Gators suffered a 41-17 loss to the Hurricanes.

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Kahleil Jackson anticipated to have a good season in 2024

Kahleil Jackson, a former walk-on quarterback who transitioned to wide receiver in 2023, emerged as a dependable deep threat for quarterback Graham Mertz last season. He had anticipated to have a good season in 2024, working really hard during the offseason.

“I still put more pressure on myself to be better than what I am," said Jackson during spring camp. "I got to go out there each and every day and fight for what I want, because, at the end of the day, I'm not where I want to be."

Jackson made valuable contributions as a backup during the 2023 season, finishing the year with 21 catches for 251 yards and a touchdown across 11 games, including nine starts. His versatility and reliability added depth to the offense.

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Florida’s wide receiver room after Kahleil Jackson’s injury

With Kahleil Jackson sidelined for the rest of the season, Florida will look to Elijhah Badger to step into a more prominent role while also leaning on veteran pass-catcher Marcus Burke to help fill the void. The Gators coach Billy Napier gave updates on both players on Wednesday.

“He's getting better,” Napier said regarding Badger. “I thought, in particular, he made a few plays Saturday, and then I think this week you see just a little bit different level of confidence. I think he settled in a little bit.”

"Marcus Burke has had a phenomenal week. Moved him outside behind Elijhah. He's had a really good week, And I think as those guys get more experience and have some production, they get more confident.”

Florida has a tough schedule to navigate in 2024, and the absence of Jackson comes as a big blow are for the team. Nonetheless, the Gators will be hoping to bounce back from the disappointing home loss in Week 1 when they face Samford on Saturday.