Image Credit: Maddie Washburn, UAA

Replenishing the roster ahead of the 2026 season remains of primary importance for new head coach Jon Sumrall as the Florida Gators have lost approximately 30 players to the transfer portal amid changes in Gainesville, Florida. With the portal officially opening Jan. 2, movement has begun in earnest, and the Gators are in hot pursuit of notable players across the country.

Unfortunately, two of Florida’s top targets are already headed elsewhere. Four-star cornerback Jontez Williams, ranked as the No. 36 transfer by 247Sports, decided to go to USC, and four-star tight end Dorian Thomas (No. 100) canceled his visit to UF with many expecting that he will head to UCLA.

The Gators need to not only fill the roster but do so with talented players as Sumrall aims for a quick turnaround in Year 1. As of Jan. 5, the four players who have decided to join Florida are all rated far lower than those they are replacing, at least according to the 247Sports transfer portal rankings.

Among the six players expected to be Gators next season, three were coached by offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner the last two years with two others coming over from Baylor, which went 5-7 in 2025.

Only Gators will continuously update this page as Florida’s transfer class fills out with additional coverage ahead for the top signees.

Announced transfers

Lacota Dippre, tight end, James Madison | ⭐️⭐️⭐️, #273: Started 13 of 14 games, catching 17 balls for 192 yards receiving, rushing four times for 49 yards and totalling four touchdowns. Successfully converted four fake punts for first downs. Two seasons of eligibility remaining after beginning his career at Charlotte (2023-24). Ranked 134 spots lower than outgoing transfer Hayden Hansen (139).

DJ Coleman, safety, Baylor | ⭐️⭐️⭐️, #558: Totalled 41 tackles (30 solo) with two interceptions, four pass breakups and a forced fumble as a junior for the Bears in 2025. One year of eligibility remaining. Ranked 391 spots lower than outgoing transfer Jordan Castell (167).

DK Kalu, defensive lineman, Baylor | ⭐️⭐️⭐️, #705: Played as a reserve the last two seasons. Son of 11-year NFL veteran N.D. Kalu. Two years of eligibility remaining. Ranked 599 spots lower than outgoing transfer Michai Boireau (106), 201 lower than Tarvorise Brown (304).

Bailey Stockton, wide receiver, Georgia Tech | ⭐️⭐️⭐️, #???: Hauled in 38 passes for 439 yards with one touchdown in two seasons. One year of eligibility remaining. Florida had five WR enter the portal, including the No. 38 and No. 95 overall prospects, plus three unranked players.

Expected transfers

Aaron Philo, quarterback, Georgia Tech | ⭐️⭐️⭐️, #104: Completed 58% of his passes for 938 yards with two touchdowns, three interceptions, 95 yards rushing and a rushing score in six total appearances across two seasons with one start (373 yards, TD, INT). Broke Trevor Lawrence’s high school passing record in Georgia. Three years of eligibility remaining. Ranked 93 spots lower than outgoing transfer DJ Lagway (11).

Harrison Moore, center, Georgia Tech | ⭐️⭐️⭐️, #217: Started eight games as a sophomore in 2025 after playing 10 games as a true freshman when he also took snaps at guard and tight end. Two years of eligibility remaining. Would replace graduate Jake Slaughter but likely play multiple interior positions.