As the Jon Sumrall era prepares to kick off in Gainesville, Florida’s football program is already undergoing a significant transformation - and the NCAA Transfer Portal hasn’t even officially opened yet. With the portal set to go live on January 2, the Gators are seeing a wave of roster movement, both in terms of departures and one key retention that could shape the future of the defense.
The Exodus Begins
It started with a big name: quarterback DJ Lagway. His decision to enter the portal opened the floodgates on Monday, and by Tuesday evening, Florida had already seen 10 players announce their intentions to leave. That number is expected to grow, as players weigh their options in a rapidly shifting college football landscape - one where NIL deals, coaching changes, and playing time all factor into the equation.
Among those joining Lagway on the way out: safety Jordan Castell and wide receiver Aidan Mizell. It’s a significant shake-up for a team trying to reset under new leadership, and the early signs suggest this will be one of the more active portal cycles in recent Florida history.
Myles Graham Stays - And That’s Huge
But amid the departures, Florida got some much-needed good news on Tuesday - and it came from one of the most important voices in the locker room. Linebacker Myles Graham, a key piece of the Gators’ defense and a rising junior, announced he’s staying in Gainesville.
That’s a big-time win for Sumrall and his staff, especially considering the momentum pulling so many players toward the portal. Graham isn’t just another returnee - he’s a foundational piece.
A former four-star recruit out of Buchholz High School and the son of former Gator standout Ernest Graham, Myles has deep ties to the program. And on the field, he’s become the kind of player you build around.
Graham wore the green dot this past season - a role that designates him as the defensive play-caller, typically reserved for the captain of the unit. He didn’t just wear it; he earned it.
After a promising freshman campaign, Graham made a major leap in year two. He started all 12 games, racking up 76 tackles (36 solo), two sacks, four pass breakups, eight quarterback hurries, and seven tackles for loss.
That’s the kind of production that doesn’t just show up on the stat sheet - it shows up on film, in leadership moments, and in how teammates respond.
“We loved him, man,” Graham said about Sumrall. “He was intense, he told us straight up that he wasn’t going to back down.
He was ready for the challenge and we loved him. I feel like a lot of guys bought into that.”
Jadan Baugh’s Future in Flux
While Graham’s decision provided a jolt of optimism, the situation surrounding running back Jadan Baugh is trending in the opposite direction.
Earlier this week, reports surfaced that Florida and Baugh were deep in talks to restructure his NIL deal - a move that would’ve kept the talented back in Gainesville. At one point, the Gators were confident enough to double his 2025 NIL salary in an effort to lock him in. But as of Wednesday, that confidence has turned into concern.
Why? Because the heavyweights are circling.
Texas, Ohio State, and Georgia have all entered the conversation, and the offers on the table are serious. Texas, in particular, presents a unique challenge.
The Longhorns recently hired Jabbar Juluke - Florida’s former running backs coach and the man who helped recruit both Baugh and Ja’Kobi Jackson. Now, Juluke is trying to reunite with his former players in Austin, and Texas is pushing hard with a significant NIL offer.
Georgia and Ohio State are also in the mix. The Bulldogs recruited Baugh heavily out of high school - albeit as a linebacker - but backed off when he made it clear he wanted to stay on offense. Still, Georgia was the first to offer him back in 2021, and the connection hasn’t faded.
As for Ohio State, their recent track record speaks volumes. They’ve shown they’re not just willing to dip into the portal for top-tier backs - they’re willing to pay.
Last season, they landed Quinshon Judkins from Ole Miss. This year, they pulled in C.J.
Donaldson from West Virginia, who has already found the end zone 10 times this season. That kind of success - and willingness to invest - makes them a serious contender for Baugh’s services.
More Departures on Wednesday
The portal news didn’t slow down midweek. By Wednesday, four more Gators had announced their intentions to transfer, pushing the total number of outgoing players to 14.
Grayson “Pup” Howard
Linebacker Grayson Howard is heading back to the portal after an injury-plagued 2025 season. Howard transferred to Florida from South Carolina in January 2024 and made an immediate impact, tallying 37 tackles, a sack, a pass breakup, and a forced fumble.
But this past season, injuries limited him to just three games and four total tackles. Still, when healthy, he’s shown he can be a difference-maker - and he’ll likely draw interest from programs looking for linebacker depth.
Tank Hawkins
Wide receiver Tank Hawkins is also moving on, becoming the third Gator wideout to hit the portal. This one had been expected for a while - Hawkins chose to sit out the remainder of the season back on Nov. 8 to preserve his redshirt. After catching 10 passes for 100 yards and a score in 2024, his role diminished in 2025, with just two catches for 16 yards.
Marcus Mascoll
Offensive lineman Marcus Mascoll, a redshirt freshman and former four-star recruit, is seeking a fresh start. Mascoll didn’t see the field during his two years at Florida, but his recruiting pedigree and potential upside could make him an intriguing portal target for teams looking to develop young linemen.
Jameer “Jamroc” Grimsley
Cornerback Jameer Grimsley is also on the move. Originally signed by Alabama, Grimsley transferred to Florida following Nick Saban’s retirement.
In two seasons with the Gators, he appeared in five games and made one start - against Mississippi State this year - recording one tackle. With three years of eligibility remaining, Grimsley has time to find the right fit and grow into a larger role elsewhere.
The Bottom Line
Florida’s roster is in flux - that much is clear. The transfer portal is changing the game, and the Gators are feeling the full force of it as they transition into the Jon Sumrall era.
But while the headlines are filled with exits, the decision by Myles Graham to stay is a major stabilizing force. Retaining a defensive leader of his caliber gives Sumrall a cornerstone to build around.
Now, the challenge becomes two-fold: continue to retain key pieces like Baugh (if possible), and start building a roster that fits Sumrall’s vision - one that can withstand the chaos of modern college football and come out stronger on the other side.