Florida LB Grayson 'Pup' Howard to enter transfer portal

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The Florida Gators suffered another significant loss on the defensive side on Wednesday as starting linebacker Grayson “Pup” Howard announced his intentions to enter the transfer portal.

“It’s been nothing short of an honor to play at the University of Florida,” Howard said. “Being a home-state kid wearing the orange and blue is a blessing I’ll never take for granted. I want to thank the previous coaching staff for believing in me, giving me the opportunity to come in, compete, and showcase my abilities on Saturdays.

“Lastly, thank you to the amazing Gator fans who have made me feel at home since day one. With that being said, I will be entering my name into the transfer portal with two years of eligibility remaining.”

Howard started his college career with the South Carolina Gamecocks, signing as a member of the 2023 recruiting class. He appeared in 11 games for the Gamecocks as a true freshman, recording 19 tackles (10 solo) a tackle-for-loss and a forced fumble.

He started nine games for the Florida Gators in 2024 after transferring in, posting 37 total tackles (17 solo), 1.0 sack, 2.0 TFLs, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, two quarterback hurries and one pass breakup. Pro Football Focus gave him an 84.2 run defense grade that year, good for 23rd among all FBS programs. Howard’s third season was limited due to injury. He only played three games for the Gators, giving him the option to take a redshirt.

Pup has had the injury bug. I think he has had a challenging offseason, not much different than DJ’s (Lagway), to be quite honest, and then he’s in a very competitive room there,” Billy Napier said in October. “So, he’s played in three games this year. I think in general, it’s kind of week to week in terms of his role in the team, and he’s not quite playing to the level that he’s capable of because of the injuries that he’s had in the offseason.”

Howard is the third starting player to leave Florida this offseason, following quarterback DJ Lagway and safety Jordan Castell. The Gators have Myles Graham, Jaden Robinson and Aaron Chiles returning at linebacker, as well as underclassmen Ty Jackson, Myles Johnson and Malik Morris on the roster.

Florida Gators in the transfer portal

Florida has lost 13 players to the transfer portal this offseason.

On offense, quarterback DJ Lagway, running back KD Daniels, wide receivers Tank Hawkins, Aidan Mizell, Mike Peterson Jr. (walk-on) and Muizz Tounkara, tight end Amir Jackson and offensive lineman Marcus Mascoll are departing.

Defensive lineman Tarvorise Brown (walk-on), linebacker Grayson Howard and defensive backs Jordan Castell, Josiah Davis and Teddy Foster are also gone.

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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida Gators football LB Grayson Howard to enter transfer portal

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