Hayden Hansen’s Transfer Portal Stock Rises as Gators Brace for Major Roster Turnover
Hayden Hansen may not have been the headline act for Florida this past season, but make no mistake - his presence mattered. As the Gators’ No. 3 receiver with 254 yards, Hansen carved out a meaningful role in a shifting offense. Now, with his name officially in the transfer portal, the ripple effects are starting to hit - and they’re being felt all the way up to new head coach Jon Sumrall.
The tight end position doesn’t always get the spotlight, but Hansen’s value hasn’t gone unnoticed. A new ranking of top tight ends in the transfer portal, set to open officially on January 2, has Hansen listed among the top 10 at his position. That’s a strong endorsement of what he brings to the table - and a reminder of what Florida is losing.
Hansen Cracks the Top 10 Among Portal Tight Ends
Over his three-year career in Gainesville, Hansen totaled 611 receiving yards and five touchdowns, averaging 10.7 yards per catch. That’s steady production, especially for a tight end who wasn’t always featured in the game plan. In 2023, he even showed some versatility, returning a pair of kickoffs and converting a two-point attempt.
According to the latest rankings, Hansen sits at No. 10 among available tight ends in the portal, just behind South Carolina’s Michael Smith. The top spot belongs to Iowa State’s Benjamin Brahmer, but Hansen’s inclusion in the top tier speaks volumes about how he’s viewed by programs looking for a reliable, experienced target.
It’s not just about the numbers - it’s about the complete package. Hansen brings size, hands, and a solid understanding of route concepts, all of which make him a plug-and-play option for teams in need of tight end help. And with the portal heating up, he’s likely to draw serious interest.
Florida’s Portal Exodus: 20 and Counting
Hansen is just one piece of a much larger puzzle in Gainesville. Florida is bracing for a significant roster shakeup, with 20 players already announcing their intention to transfer. That list includes some major names - starting quarterback DJ Lagway, standout wide receiver Eugene Wilson III, and several former blue-chip recruits.
Here’s a quick look at the current wave of Gators hitting the portal:
- Jayden Woods, freshman EDGE
- Sharif Denson, junior cornerback
- Eugene Wilson III, junior wide receiver
- Noel Portnjagin, redshirt freshman offensive tackle
- Enoch Wangoy, redshirt freshman offensive tackle
- Naeshaun Montgomery, freshman wide receiver
- Michai Boireau, sophomore defensive lineman
- Hayden Hansen, redshirt junior tight end
- Jameer Grimsley, sophomore cornerback
- Grayson Howard, junior linebacker
- Tank Hawkins, sophomore wide receiver
- Marcus Mascoll, redshirt freshman offensive tackle
- Teddy Foster, redshirt freshman safety
- Aidan Mizell, redshirt sophomore wide receiver
- Josiah Davis, redshirt freshman safety
- Jordan Castell, junior safety
- Amir Jackson, sophomore tight end
- KD Daniels, redshirt freshman running back
- DJ Lagway, sophomore quarterback
- Muizz Tounkara, freshman wide receiver
That’s a sizable chunk of talent walking out the door - and the portal hasn’t even officially opened yet. Don’t be surprised if more names join the list in the coming days.
A New Era Under Jon Sumrall
With Jon Sumrall set to take over the Gators in 2026, this kind of turnover was expected. Coaching changes almost always bring a wave of transfers and decommitments, and the departure of former head coach Billy Napier only accelerated the process. Sumrall inherits a program in flux, but he also has a clean slate to reshape the roster in his image.
For now, Florida fans will have to watch as key players like Hansen explore new opportunities. But the silver lining? With the portal becoming such a central part of modern college football, departures also mean openings - and Sumrall will have plenty of chances to bring in his own reinforcements.
As the new year kicks off and the portal opens for business, one thing is clear: the Gators are entering a new chapter. And for players like Hayden Hansen, the next stop could be the stage where they finally take center spotlight.