What was expected to be a key loss for the Gators has now transformed into a crucial retention.
Standout edge rusher Jayden Woods, who originally entered the transfer portal Jan. 2, is reportedly returning to Florida for 2026. The news was first reported by Pete Nakos. The Shawnee, Kansas, native was the No. 12-ranked overall player in the transfer portal, per On3's rankings.
It had been reported over the recent days that Jon Sumrall and Florida's staff had been in consistent communication with Woods, even while he visited Texas on Tuesday. Woods and the Florida staff reportedly had virtual and in-person meetings regarding his potential return to the program, including a meeting in Woods' home state of Kansas.
On3's Pete Nakos then reported earlier Wednesday that Woods was likely to withdraw from the portal and to return to UF as soon as this evening.
Woods marks another massive retention for Sumrall and the Gators. Key returnees include running back Jadan Baugh, wide receivers Vernell Brown III and Dallas Wilson and linebacker Myles Graham. Now, Woods will be at the forefront of Florida's EDGE group alongside the returning Kamran James.
Woods totaled 28 tackles, 2.5 sacks, five tackles for loss and an interception en route to Freshman All-SEC honors in 2025.
Overall, Woods earned a 72.0 Pro Football Focus grade, including a 73.3 pass rushing grade. He recorded 17 overall pressures, good for 11th among true freshman edge rushers, per PFF.
This is a developing story.
Contact Max Bernstein at mbernstein@alligator.org. Follow him on X @maxbernstein23.
Max is a junior sports journalism student in his seventh semester at The Alligator. He serves as The Alligator's assistant sports editor and football beat coordinator. He previously served as The Alligator's sports editor and as a reporter for football, women's tennis, volleyball, lacrosse and sports enterprise. He also has made multiple appearances on the Paul Finebaum Show. Max wants to shoutout his cats, Scooter and Zoe, and niche former Florida Panthers players (shoutout Maxim Mamin).
