Florida Gators Undergo Massive Roster Overhaul in Jon Sumrall’s First Offseason
If you’re looking for a college football program that’s hit the reset button in a big way, look no further than Gainesville. Under new head coach Jon Sumrall, the Florida Gators have undergone a dramatic roster transformation - and it’s not just a fresh coat of paint.
With the transfer portal window now officially closed, Florida has brought in over 20 new players while nearly 30 have departed from the 2025 roster. It’s a bold, aggressive retooling aimed at injecting toughness and competitiveness into a program that’s been stuck in neutral for far too long.
Let’s be real: Florida’s recent track record hasn’t inspired much confidence. The Gators have posted four losing seasons in the last five years, going 29-34 in that span.
After a 4-8 campaign in 2025, Sumrall and new general manager Dave Caldwell went to work - and the results speak for themselves. The Gators aren’t just tweaking around the edges; they’re building a new foundation.
Here’s a closer look at the most impactful additions and departures from Florida’s wild ride through the transfer portal.
Top Transfer Portal Additions for Florida
Eric Singleton, WR (Auburn)
Florida is getting a serious weapon in Eric Singleton. At 5-foot-10 and 185 pounds, Singleton brings the kind of speed and explosiveness that can change games - and he’s already familiar with new offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner’s system from their time together at Georgia Tech. Faulkner used Singleton creatively on jet sweeps and gadget plays, and that versatility should be a big asset in Gainesville.
Last season at Auburn, Singleton hauled in 58 passes for 534 yards and three touchdowns. Over his three-year college career (split between Auburn and Georgia Tech), he’s totaled 160 catches, 2,002 yards, and 12 touchdowns. With returning sophomores Vernell Brown III and Dallas Wilson, Singleton gives Florida a dynamic trio at wide receiver.
Aaron Philo, QB (Georgia Tech)
Quarterback is the most scrutinized position on any roster, and Florida’s got a new name in the mix. Aaron Philo arrives from Georgia Tech with a chance to compete for the starting job alongside returning sophomore Tramell Jones Jr.
Philo’s college stats - 938 passing yards, two touchdowns, three picks - don’t jump off the page, but the tools are there. At 6-2, 220 pounds, he’s a tough, dual-threat quarterback who can make plays with his legs (5.9 yards per carry, one rushing TD).
And don’t forget: Philo was a record-setting high school quarterback at Prince Avenue Christian in Georgia, where he broke Trevor Lawrence’s state passing yardage record. That kind of production doesn’t happen by accident.
Cam Dooley, S (Kentucky)
If Florida’s defense is going to take a step forward, Cam Dooley could be a big reason why. The 6-2, 208-pound safety plays with physicality and instincts, and he’s already got a connection to new defensive coordinator Brad White, having played in his scheme at Kentucky.
Dooley appeared in 12 games last season with three starts, tallying 20 tackles, a forced fumble, and an interception. His Pro Football Focus grades - 69.7 overall, 71.4 in coverage - suggest a player who can hold his own in the back end. Look for him to step into a meaningful role right away.
Evan Pryor, RB (Cincinnati)
Florida’s backfield already features a strong returning presence in Jadan Baugh, but Evan Pryor brings a different flavor. The 5-11, 195-pound speedster is a big-play threat every time he touches the ball.
Pryor averaged 6.9 yards per carry last season and ripped off touchdown runs of 55, 68, and 69 yards. That kind of burst is rare - and valuable.
He’s not coming in to be a workhorse, but as a change-of-pace option, Pryor could be a perfect complement to Baugh and a headache for opposing defenses.
Emeka Ugorji, OL (Stanford)
Offensive line play has been a sore spot for Florida in recent years, but Emeka Ugorji could help change that. The 6-5, 340-pound lineman started eight games as a freshman at Stanford last season and showed the kind of raw power and size that coaches love to mold.
He played guard at Stanford, but Florida may slide him out to right tackle to replace Caden Jones, who’s expected to shift to left tackle following Austin Barber’s departure. Either way, Ugorji is a cornerstone piece with long-term upside.
Biggest Transfer Portal Losses for Florida
DJ Lagway, QB
Losing your starting quarterback is never easy, even when the results have been mixed. DJ Lagway went 10-9 in two seasons as Florida’s starter, throwing for 4,189 yards with 28 touchdowns and 23 interceptions. Injuries slowed his development, and his sophomore season didn’t build on the promise of his freshman year.
Still, he had the arm talent to make big throws and gave Florida a veteran presence under center. He’s now expected to sign with Baylor, where he’ll try to reboot his career.
Eugene Wilson III, WR
When healthy, Eugene Wilson III was one of Florida’s most electric players. The problem?
He just couldn’t stay on the field. The 5-10, 194-pound wideout caught 107 passes for 1,150 yards and 10 touchdowns in three seasons, but played in just nine games over the last two years.
Now headed to LSU, Wilson will look to revive his career under Lane Kiffin. Florida, meanwhile, will have to replace his speed and playmaking ability - something not easily done, even with the addition of Singleton.
Michai Boireau, DT
Boireau’s departure stings, especially considering how well he would have fit in Brad White’s defensive scheme. At 6-5 and 349 pounds, he’s a true space-eater in the middle who can collapse pockets and clog running lanes.
He recorded 20 tackles and two sacks in 2025 and even came up with a game-clinching interception in a tight win over Mississippi State. But after failing to reach an agreement with Florida, Boireau entered the portal and landed at Ole Miss.
Sharif Denson, DB
Denson was a steady presence in Florida’s secondary, starting 17 games over the last two seasons at the star position. A former Under Armour All-American, he tallied 95 tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble, and an interception during his time in Gainesville.
His versatility and experience will be missed, especially with Florida breaking in several new faces on defense. Like Boireau, Denson also transferred to Ole Miss.
Jordan Castell, S
Castell was a three-year starter and a fixture in the Gators’ secondary. At 6-2, 213 pounds, he brought size and range to the safety position, finishing his Florida career with three interceptions and 12 pass breakups.
His coverage skills were solid, but tackling in space was occasionally a concern - especially against physical runners. Castell has transferred to Kentucky, staying within the SEC and potentially facing his old team down the line.
Final Thoughts
Florida’s offseason under Jon Sumrall has been nothing short of a full-scale renovation. With a new general manager in Dave Caldwell and a staff focused on toughness and culture, the Gators didn’t just dip into the portal - they dove in headfirst.
There’s still work to be done, and with National Signing Day on the horizon, a few more moves could be in the cards. But as it stands, Florida’s roster looks dramatically different than it did just a few months ago. Whether that translates into wins in the brutal SEC remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: the Gators aren’t standing still anymore.