Jon Sumrall builds 2026 Gators as transfer portal opens, sets off two-week frenzy
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
GAINESVILLE — A new year arrives as Florida coach Jon Sumrall’s 2026 Gators begin to take shape.
The transfer portal will open Friday to set off a two-week frenzy of player movement when the highest bidder often prevails, loyalties are cast aside and claims of brotherhood made last fall become empty words.
A 4-8 finish hasn’t prevented players from demanding more NIL money or leveraging the threat of transferring into a better deal. Those critical to Sumrall’s rebuild, led by 1,000-yard rusher Jadan Baugh and promising edge rusher Jayden Woods are deep in negotiations as a decision deadline looms.
Fellow 2025 true freshman receiver Dallas Wilson, another key to Florida’s plans, re-signed Wednesday evening.
Several key players, led by leading tackler Myles Graham and sophomore receiver Vernell Brown III, are set to return after inking new deals. Others followed suit. Redshirt freshman quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. on Tuesday became the latest to announce he had re-signed with the Gators.
Jones’ return was expected. Quarterback DJ Lagway left the program after an injury-riddled offseason led to a disappointing sophomore campaign, falling well short of expectations.
Sumrall and general manager Dave Caldwell bid farewell to other name players, including 2023 All-SEC freshman receiver Tre Wilson, and multi-year starters, including safety Jordan Castell. The new regime also showed the door to those who had failed to develop under former coach Billy Napier or were not ever SEC-caliber talents.
Meanwhile, Sumrall and Co. have their sights set on players seeking a new school, a fresh start, a larger role and, of course, a bigger payday.
Until the portal closes Jan. 16, the new regime’s plans for a quick turnaround and the Florida’s ’26 roster will crystallize.
Who’s on the fence
Baugh, Woods and Wilson were top targets. Baugh and Woods still remains so after Wilson’s decision.
Baugh’s 1,170 rushing yards are the most at Florida since 2012; the 6-foot-3, 248-pound Woods consistently flashed, recording 28 tackles, including 3.5 sacks, and an interception; and Wilson’s 111-yard, 2-touchdown debut during UF’s upset of Texas highlighted a small body of work limited to four games by a left foot injury.
Texas is in hot pursuit of Baugh; the Georgia native weighs a $1.3 million offer from UF against a reported $1.5 million from the Longhorns. The 6-foot-3, 213-pound Wilson’s durability is a concern, but his skill set is considerable. Woods announced plans to enter the portal, but has only one foot out the door as talks continue.
Another Florida player pondering his options is nose tackle Michai Boireau, at times a force who also battled a knee injury. The 6-4 ½, 349-pound junior intends to enter the portal, but could return for the right offer.
Nickel back Aaron Gates, an impact player with season-ending injuries the past two seasons, also plans to hit the portal. He, too, could do an about-face, but his return is less likely.
Safety Bryce Thornton and cornerback Cormani McClain are 2025 starters to monitor.
Who’s in the fold
Significant were the return of Graham and Brown, two legacy Gators and bonafide leaders next season. The 19-year-old Jones will enter spring practices with the inside track to become the starting QB.
Aaron Chiles, Graham’s sidekick at linebacker, and end Kam James, an Orlando native who could break out as a senior, should help anchor the front seven for incoming defensive coordinator Brad White. Tackles Joseph Mbatchou and Jeremiah McCloud each showed vast potential as a first-year players forced into action as fifth-year senior Caleb Banks battled a foot injury.
Starting cornerback Dijon Johnson, who suffered a season-ending injury Sept. 20 at Miami, emerging receiver TJ Abrams and veteran lineman Rod Kearney are also back.
Who’s out of the picture
Lagway and Wilson were major disappointments last season in need of fresh starts. Castell was a three-year starter who totaled 169 total tackles and 15 passes defensed at UF, but his 2025 season was void of impact plays.
Tight end Hayden Hansen was an effective blocker and improved pass catcher, but not worth his asking price after 30 catches for just 254 yards and two scores in ’25. Nickel back Shariff Denson was productive, but undersized, against the run (39 tackles) and average at best in coverage. Speedy Aidan Mizell of Orlando slowed big-play potential but could not stay healthy, while fellow receiver Tank Hawkins and tailback KD Daniels never panned out despite their athleticism.
The other dozen or so transfers will not be missed.
Who’s on the radar
Georgia Tech’s Aaron Philo appears to be a top priority as the Gators establish quarterback depth and competition.
The 6-foot-2, 220-pound Philo served as backup to Haynes King in 2024 and 2025, while new Florida offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner ran the Yellowjackets’ attack.
Philo completed 59 of 102 throws (57.8%) for 938 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions at Georgia Tech, while rushing for 95 yards and a score on 16 carries in a system friendly to dual-threat QBs.
Philo’s best work came at Prince Avenue Christian School, where he threw 13,922 career yards and 56 touchdowns in 2023, both Georgia state records.
Placekicker Patrick Durkin, punter Alec Clark and longsnapper freshman Jason Arredondo could follow new special teams coach Johnathan Galante from Tulane and fill key roles.
Durkin, who would replace record-setter Trey Smack, made 24-of-27 field goals attempt and ranked fifth nationally with 66 touchbacks (on 77 kicks). Clark, who followed Galante from Marshall in 2024, would step in for Tommy Doman after leading the American Conference with an average of 46.82 yards. Arredondo would replace Lake Mary’s Rocco Underwood.
Beyond here, it gets tricky. Tampering rules are hard to enforce and limit information.
New offensive line coach Phil Trautwein’s six seasons at Penn State presumably puts some Nittany Lions in play — 6-foot-6, 316-pound tackle Cooper Cousins, among them. Tulane’s 6-2, 293-pound guard Shadre Hurst makes sense. SEC All-Freshman DJ Chester and fellow tackle Tyree Adams played just down the road at LSU and plan to enter the portal. Auburn left tackle Xavier Chaplin started 12 games and could be another option.
If Dallas Wilson leaves, UF could make a big move for one of Chaplin’s former teammates. Star receiver Cam Coleman plans to enter the portal. The 6-foot-3 junior has All-America potential but would a price tag in the $3 million range.
Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos