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Significant NCAA rules changes have effectively led to annual free agency in college football. While some teams turn over more players than others, those that generally see the most significant changes year to year are those that make changes at the top.
That is the category in which the Florida Gators fall into entering the 2026 college football season with head coach Jon Sumrall taking over for the ousted Billy Napier. Not only is Sumrall the new lead man in charge, nearly the entire coaching staff has been turned over as hope arises that sustained success will return to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Still, the Florida football team will look quite different next year — not only those holding the whistles and clipboards but those wearing the orange and blue jerseys. The Gators have already seen numerous significant departures, which will become official when the transfer portal officially opens on Jan. 2, 2026.
Let’s take a look at the 10 players who are planning to leave Florida …
DJ Lagway, quarterback: A disappointing sophomore year — coming after an offseason in which Lagway did not practice due to medical decisions made by his camp — was basically the nail in the coffin for his Gators career. Though Lagway apparently wanted to stay at Florida, a split is likely best for both sides. He completed 63% of his passes for 2,264 yards with 16 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in 12 games. Lagway was a five-star prospect and the No. 4 overall player in the Class of 2024. Read more
Aidan Mizell, wide receiver: A former four-star prospect and track star whose family graduated from Florida, Mizell totalled just 404 yards receiving and three touchdowns in two full seasons and a redshirt campaign. He was seemingly never healthy, playing 14 combined games the last two seasons.
Jordan Castell, safety: A 2023 Freshman All-SEC selection, Castell started 35 of the 36 games he played over the last three seasons (34 starts in a row). He will have one year of eligibility remaining as a senior next year. This past season, he finished third in tackles (54) and assisted tackles (26), co-leading the Gators with two interceptions.
Grayson Howard, linebacker: A transfer from South Carolina, he started the first nine games of the 2024 season but only took the field three times since due to injury. He totalled 37 tackles (17 solo, two for loss) with a sack, two fumble recovers and a forced fumble in 2024. Howard has one year of eligibility remaining.
Teddy Foster, defensive back: Played in 11 games over the last two seasons.
KD Daniels, running back: Played in 13 games over the last two seasons, totalling 31 touches for 122 yards and a touchdown in 2025.
Tank Hawkins, wide receiver: Played in 11 games over two seasons, totalling 12 receptions, 116 yards receiving and a touchdown.
Amir Jackson, tight end: A four-star, top 100 prospect in the Class of 2024, Jackson played in 15 games over the last two seasons (11 in 2025), totalling three catches for 29 yards.
Josiah Davis, defensive back: Did not play this season after seeing action in four games as a freshman.
Marcus Mascoll, offensive lineman: Never played in two seasons with the team.
Mike Peterson Jr., wide receiver: Did not play this season as a walk-on freshman.