Florida Football Roster Reset: Who’s Staying, Who’s Leaving, and What’s Next for Jon Sumrall’s Gators
As 2026 approaches, Jon Sumrall’s vision for Florida football is starting to take shape - and it’s clear the Gators are in the thick of a high-stakes roster overhaul. With the transfer portal set to reopen Friday, the next two weeks will be a whirlwind of negotiations, departures, and potential additions as Florida looks to rebound from a 4-8 season that exposed both talent gaps and cultural fractures.
Let’s break down where things stand - who’s staying, who’s still deciding, and who could be suiting up in orange and blue next fall.
The Core: Who’s Staying in Gainesville
While the portal is buzzing and NIL deals are flying, the Gators have managed to lock in some key returners - a major win for Sumrall and GM Dave Caldwell as they try to stabilize the foundation.
Myles Graham, Florida’s leading tackler, and Vernell Brown III, a promising sophomore wideout, are both back in the fold after reworking their NIL deals. That’s not just a morale boost - it’s leadership returning on both sides of the ball.
Tramell Jones Jr., the redshirt freshman quarterback, also reaffirmed his commitment this week. With DJ Lagway exiting after a frustrating, injury-marred sophomore year, Jones enters spring with the inside track for QB1. At just 19, he’s got the poise and upside to take command of the offense - but expect Florida to add competition at the position.
On defense, Aaron Chiles returns to pair with Graham at linebacker, while Kam James, a senior edge rusher from Orlando, could be primed for a breakout year under new defensive coordinator Brad White. Up front, young tackles Joseph Mbatchou and Jeremiah McCloud showed flashes in 2025 and will be counted on to take another step.
Dijon Johnson, the starting cornerback whose season ended early at Miami, is also expected back, as are receiver TJ Abrams and offensive lineman Rod Kearney. That trio brings experience and upside - two things Florida desperately needs.
On the Fence: Star Power in Limbo
This is where things get interesting - and potentially expensive.
Jadan Baugh, who ran for 1,170 yards last season, is weighing a $1.3 million offer from Florida against a reported $1.5 million bid from Texas. The Longhorns are pushing hard, but Baugh has been central to Sumrall’s offensive plans. Losing him would be a major blow.
Jayden Woods, the 6'3", 248-pound edge rusher, showed real promise with 28 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and a pick in his freshman campaign. He’s announced plans to enter the portal, but Florida is still in the mix to retain him. Talks are ongoing - and the Gators are hoping to keep at least one foot on campus.
Then there’s Dallas Wilson, the talented freshman wideout who torched Texas for 111 yards and two touchdowns in his debut before a foot injury cut his season short. The talent is undeniable, but durability is a question. Florida is negotiating hard to keep him in Gainesville, but his market is heating up.
Michai Boireau, the 349-pound nose tackle, is another name to watch. When healthy, he was a force in the middle - but a knee injury muddied his 2025 season. He’s eyeing the portal but hasn’t ruled out a return if the right deal materializes.
Aaron Gates, a nickel back with upside but a history of season-ending injuries, is also planning to test the waters. His return seems less likely.
Two defensive backs - Bryce Thornton and Cormani McClain - are expected to be starters in 2025. Their status is one to monitor as portal season unfolds.
Who’s Out: Departures and Fresh Starts
Some exits were expected. Others, less so. But either way, Florida is turning the page on several notable names.
DJ Lagway, once viewed as the future at quarterback, never found his footing after an injury-plagued offseason. His departure opens the door for Jones - and possibly a transfer addition.
Tre Wilson, the 2023 All-SEC freshman, is also gone, as is Jordan Castell, a three-year starter at safety who couldn’t replicate his early success in 2025. Castell finishes his Gators career with 169 tackles and 15 pass breakups, but his final season lacked impact plays.
Hayden Hansen, a reliable blocker at tight end, improved as a pass catcher but wasn’t worth the price tag after posting just 254 yards and two touchdowns on 30 catches.
Shariff Denson, a nickel back who gave solid effort but struggled with size and coverage, is on the move. So are skill players Aidan Mizell, Tank Hawkins, and KD Daniels - all athletic, all unable to break through due to injuries or inconsistency.
The rest of the outgoing group - around a dozen players - weren’t expected to be major contributors moving forward.
Targets on the Radar: Portal Shopping Begins
With holes to fill and money to spend, Florida’s staff is already eyeing potential additions.
At quarterback, Aaron Philo from Georgia Tech is a top target. He backed up Haynes King the past two seasons while playing under new Gators offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner, who ran the Yellow Jackets’ offense.
Philo completed 57.8% of his passes for 938 yards, two touchdowns, and three picks - and added 95 yards and a score on the ground. He’s a dual-threat with familiarity in the system and could push Jones in the spring.
Florida is also looking to overhaul its special teams unit. Patrick Durkin (kicker), Alec Clark (punter), and Jason Arredondo (long snapper) could all follow new special teams coach Johnathan Galante from Tulane.
Durkin was 24-of-27 on field goals and ranked fifth nationally in touchbacks. Clark led the American Conference in punting average.
Arredondo would replace long snapper Rocco Underwood.
On the offensive line, Phil Trautwein’s move from Penn State could bring some Nittany Lions with him. Cooper Cousins, a 6'6", 316-pound tackle, is a name to watch.
Tulane guard Shadre Hurst fits the mold as well. Florida is also linked to LSU tackles DJ Chester and Tyree Adams, plus Auburn left tackle Xavier Chaplin, who started 12 games in 2025.
And if Dallas Wilson leaves, the Gators could pivot to a splashy replacement: Cam Coleman, a 6'3" receiver from Auburn with All-America potential. He’s expected to command a hefty price - reportedly around $3 million - but he’d be a game-changer.
What’s Next
The transfer portal closes January 16, and between now and then, Florida’s 2026 roster will take shape. This is a critical stretch for Sumrall and his staff - not just to plug holes, but to build a roster that fits their vision.
The Gators are clearly embracing the new era of college football, where NIL and the portal are part of the game plan. And after a 4-8 season, there’s no time to waste.
This rebuild is on - and by mid-January, we’ll have a much clearer picture of what the next chapter of Florida football looks like.