Looking ahead to the 2026-27 season, nearly half of the Florida roster will be brand new. The Gators welcomed 50 new players, including 29 transfers, 20 high school recruits and one junior college recruit.
A common theme presented itself throughout Florida football’s 2025-26 season: The Gators defense could hold its own against top offenses, but UF lacked the offensive firepower needed to win games in the SEC.
The National Football League season is coming to a close, and the University of Florida was well represented in 2025. Now that the draft is nine months removed, here is how every former Gators rookie stacked up.
As the Gators lost 34 players to the transfer portal and newly hired coach Jon Sumrall was tasked with bolstering Florida’s roster with new additions, here are five of their top offensive pickups of the 2026 transfer portal cycle.
In 2026, the Gators lost 34 players to the portal but picked more than 20 new additions in hopes of strengthening their roster under first-year Florida head coach Jon Sumrall.
After two seasons as quarterback of the Florida Gators, Lagway entered the transfer portal Dec. 15. He now heads to Baylor.
Despite interest from programs all over the nation, five of Florida’s most important players — Jadan Baugh, Vernell Brown III, Dallas Wilson, Jayden Woods and Myles Graham — all re-signed with Name, Image and Likeness Collective Florida Victorious for the 2026 season, marking landmark victories for the future of Gators football in the Sumrall era.
After he chose to enter the transfer portal, standout Florida EDGE Jayden Woods will return to the Gators for 2026.
Since the transfer portal opened Jan. 2, a number of additions have been made to Florida's roster for the 2026 season.
Florida's star running back, Jadan Baugh, is remaining in Gainesville after interest from numerous other programs.
Former Georgia Tech quarterback Aaron Philo will follow his offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, Buster Faulkner, to Gainesville.
Gators WR Dallas Wilson announced his decision to re-sign Dec. 31 after Florida sought to retain his services following the 2025 season.
Standout Florida freshman edge rusher Jayden Woods will enter the transfer portal.
Florida is expected to hire Tulane’s Rusty Whitt as its new strength and conditioning coach, marking another major hire in Jon Sumrall’s tenure as Florida head football coach.
Florida football received massive news regarding its future Dec. 15, as starting quarterback DJ Lagway announced his intention to transfer. Now, with Lagway off to his next destination, where will Florida turn for its open quarterback position?
After two seasons as Florida’s starting quarterback, DJ Lagway intends to enter the transfer portal.
The Gators are reportedly hiring UF alum Phil Trautwein as their new offensive line coach.
Florida football's 2026 schedule was officially released Dec. 11, featuring opponents who went a combined 82-62 in regular season action in 2025.
UF's pair of Vernell Brown III and Jayden Woods collected four Freshman All-SEC Team Honors.
Five members of the Florida Gators were named to 2025 All-Southeastern Conference Teams: Center Jake Slaughter, running back Jadan Baugh, offensive tackle Austin Barber, kicker Trey Smack and long snapper Rocco Underwood.
Solutions by The State News
