We tell you everything you need to know about the 2025 Gainesville High School football team in this preview, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Red Elephants this season.
2024 Season Stats
- Overall Record: 7-4
- Points Scored: 420
- Points Allowed: 230
Key Roster Losses
The Red Elephants lost great talent on both sides of the ball from last year’s squad.
That includes two-way standout Carmelo Byrd, who played at linebacker for Gainesville before moving to also play running back in 2024. He had 141 carries for 891 yards and 19 total TDs on offense while racking up 150 tackles, 18 sacks, and five interceptions on defense. Byrd is now at Savannah State University.
Other key losses include wide receiver Jeremiah “Showtime” Ware, who is now at Georgia Southern; wide receiver Christopher “Taz” Smith; defensive lineman Julius Columbus, who is now at Duke; defensive back Judah Knight, who is now at Tusculum University; and linebacker Cash O’Callaghan, who is now at Delta State.
Key Players Returning
Gainesville welcomes back four-star quarterback Kharim Hughley, a junior who has college offers from Georgia, Ole Miss, Duke, Florida, and South Carolina, among others. In 2024 he threw for over 2,500 yards and had 24 TDs total.
One of Hughley’s favorite targets returns in senior wide receiver Philip Williams.
Up front, the offensive line benefits from the return of senior lineman Krew Moledor, who has committed to the University of Louisville.
Returning to the defense is five-star linebacker Xavier Griffin, who is considered the nation’s top linebacker and a Top 10 overall player for the Class of 2026.
Senior defensive end Kadin Fossung and senior defensive back Elijah Watson also return.
What to Expect From the Gainesville Red Elephants in 2025
The Red Elephants are coming off a disappointing 2024 season that saw them finish 7-4 with a first-round exit in the Class 5A playoffs, but that has made head coach Josh Niblett’s resolve even stronger in 2025.
“We look forward to the opportunity as we own last year in order to earn the right to chase best this season,” Niblett said earlier this offseason. “We expect to be playing for championships around here.”
The 2025 Red Elephants are loaded with talent and will need everyone as they battle in Region 7-5A, one of the state’s best regions. With an experienced QB and the nation’s best LB surrounded with a strong supporting cast of players determined to put this team back on track, this year’s Gainesville team will be one to watch.
2025 Season Prediction
Gainesville will go 11-4 overall and return to the Class 5A state title game.
Game to Watch
Oct. 10 at Milton
