As Florida gears up for another pivotal offseason, the Gators are staring down a significant roster reset. Twenty-two players are set to move on from the program following the 2025 season, with eligibility expiration marking the end of their college football journeys in Gainesville. While the transfer portal always adds a layer of uncertainty, this wave of departures is all but locked in.
Among those 22 players are a mix of graduate students, redshirt seniors, and true seniors - a group that’s been through the grind, contributed in key moments, and helped shape the identity of this roster. Some are eyeing the next level, hoping to hear their names called in the NFL Draft or make an impression in postseason all-star showcases. Others will take their talents into coaching, the workforce, or wherever life after football leads.
Let’s break down the notable names and what their exits mean for the Gators.
NFL Aspirations: Gators Headed to Postseason Showcases
At least seven Florida players have already put themselves on the radar for pro scouts by accepting invitations to major postseason all-star games.
Defensive tackle Caleb Banks and offensive linemen Austin Barber and Jake Slaughter will represent Florida in the Panini Senior Bowl - a premier event for NFL hopefuls to prove themselves against top-tier talent. Their inclusion speaks volumes about their development and impact in the trenches.
Meanwhile, wide receiver J. Michael Sturdivant, edge rusher George Gumbs Jr., kicker Trey Smack, and punter Tommy Doman are set to compete in the East-West Shrine Bowl. For Sturdivant and Gumbs in particular, this is a chance to showcase their versatility and athleticism on a national stage.
These appearances don’t just boost individual draft stock - they also reflect positively on the program’s ability to develop NFL-caliber talent.
Quarterbacks
- Harrison Bailey (graduate)
- Clay Millen (redshirt senior)
Both signal-callers are set to move on, leaving a vacancy in the quarterback room that Florida will need to address - whether through internal development or the transfer portal. Millen and Bailey provided experience and depth, and their departure puts the spotlight on the next generation under center.
Running Backs
- Ja’Kobi Jackson (redshirt senior)
Jackson’s exit takes away a veteran presence from the backfield. While he wasn’t always the feature back, his leadership and locker room presence mattered, especially in a young running back group.
Wide Receivers
- J. Michael Sturdivant (redshirt senior)
- Kahleil Jackson+ (redshirt senior/sixth-year)
- Taylor Spierto (redshirt senior)*
Sturdivant is the headline name here, and for good reason - he’s NFL-bound and has the production to back it up. Kahleil Jackson, a steady contributor and sixth-year senior, brought size and experience to the position. These departures open the door for younger receivers to step up in 2026.
Offensive Line
- Austin Barber (redshirt senior)
- Jake Slaughter (redshirt senior)
- Damieon George Jr. (redshirt senior)
- Kamryn Waites (redshirt senior)
- Devon Manuel+ (redshirt senior)
- Hayden Clem (redshirt senior)*
That’s a lot of beef walking out the door - and a lot of starts, reps, and chemistry to replace. Barber and Slaughter are the headliners, both earning postseason honors and NFL attention.
Manuel has announced plans to enter the transfer portal, adding another wrinkle to Florida’s offensive line rebuild. Replacing this much experience up front will be a top priority heading into spring.
Edge Rushers & Defensive Line
- George Gumbs Jr. (redshirt senior)
- Brien Taylor Jr. (senior)
Gumbs has been a force off the edge and now gets a chance to boost his draft stock at the Shrine Bowl. Taylor’s departure removes another veteran from the defensive front, a unit that’s been quietly solid all year.
Defensive Backs
- Devin Moore (senior)
- Micheal Caraway Jr. (redshirt senior)
- Cahron Rackley (redshirt senior)*
Moore and Caraway brought experience and leadership to the secondary. With both moving on, Florida’s defensive backfield will need to rely on rising underclassmen and potentially look to the portal for reinforcements.
Specialists
- Trey Smack (kicker)
- Tommy Doman (punter)
Special teams rarely get the spotlight, but losing both your kicker and punter in one offseason is no small thing. Smack and Doman were consistent performers, and their shoes will need to be filled by players who can handle the pressure and precision that comes with the job.
What It All Means
This isn’t just a typical senior send-off - it’s a major roster turnover that touches nearly every position group. From the offensive line to the secondary, quarterback room to special teams, Florida will be replacing a core group of veterans who’ve been through the highs and lows of SEC football.
The upside? These exits create opportunities.
For younger players, it’s a chance to step into leadership roles. For the coaching staff, it’s an opportunity to reshape the roster with targeted additions and player development.
And for fans, it’s the beginning of a new chapter - one that will be defined by how well Florida reloads, not just replaces.
The 2026 season may feel far off, but the groundwork starts now. And with over 20 players moving on, the Gators’ offseason just became one of the most important in recent memory.