The Florida Gators continue to reshape their roster through the transfer portal, and their latest addition brings more muscle to the defensive front. Former Southern Miss defensive lineman Mason Clinton has committed to Florida, giving new head coach Jon Sumrall another piece to work with as he builds his first squad in Gainesville.
Clinton, a 6-foot-5, 300-pound interior lineman, chose the Gators after visiting Baylor and considering a trip to Oregon. He brings two years of eligibility with him and becomes the third defensive line transfer Florida has landed this cycle.
While Clinton’s stat sheet from the 2025 season might not leap off the page-16 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and a pass deflection-his journey tells a story of resilience and growth. After signing with Louisiana-Lafayette in the 2023 class, Clinton saw limited action as a true freshman and took a redshirt. From there, he took the JUCO route, spending the 2024 season at East Mississippi Community College, a well-known proving ground for players looking to reboot their careers.
He signed with Mississippi State in December 2024, but his time in Starkville was short-lived. Clinton entered the portal again in the spring and eventually landed at Southern Miss, where he carved out a role on the defensive front. Now, he takes another step up, joining an SEC program in transition.
For Florida, Clinton’s commitment marks the 26th transfer addition in this cycle-a clear signal that Sumrall and his staff are aggressively rebuilding after a rough 2025 campaign. The Gators finished 4-8 last season, a stretch that ended with the dismissal of Billy Napier and ushered in a new era under Sumrall.
Sumrall arrives in Gainesville with a strong résumé, having led Tulane to its first-ever College Football Playoff appearance and compiling a 43-12 record over the past four seasons between Tulane and Troy. His track record of winning and player development is already showing up in Florida’s approach to the portal-targeting experienced, hungry players like Clinton who can contribute right away.
While Clinton may not be a household name yet, his size, versatility, and winding path through college football suggest a player who’s battle-tested and eager to prove he belongs on the SEC stage. And for a Florida defense in need of reinforcements, that’s exactly the kind of energy they’re looking for.