As the college football offseason heats up, the transfer portal is once again front and center - and while players across the country are already announcing their intentions, the window itself doesn’t officially open until January 2 and will close on January 16. Notably, there won’t be a spring portal window this cycle, so it’s now or never for teams looking to retool their rosters.
Under Billy Napier, Florida often took a cautious approach to the portal - sometimes too cautious. But with Jon Sumrall now at the helm, that mentality looks to be shifting.
Sumrall has made it clear he doesn’t plan to repeat the mistakes of the past. With that in mind, let’s take a position-by-position look at where the Gators stand heading into 2026 and which units are most likely to see transfer activity.
Quarterback
This one’s not a question - it’s a necessity. With Florida moving on from DJ Lagway, the quarterback room is due for a shakeup. Georgia Tech’s Aaron Philo has been heavily linked to the Gators, and there’s a strong belief Florida wants to bring in not just one, but two quarterbacks from the portal.
Tramell Jones is still in the mix and could be a factor in the starting competition next season, but Florida needs depth, experience, and someone who can push the room right away. Expect significant movement here.
Running Back
This group hinges on one big decision: whether Jadan Baugh stays or goes. Even if Baugh departs, Florida still has Treyaun Webb and Duke Clark returning, which gives the room a solid foundation heading into 2026.
That said, unless there’s a surprise exit or injury, this doesn’t look like a high-priority position in the portal. There might be some light depth additions, but don’t expect a major splash here.
Wide Receiver
Things get a bit more complicated at wideout. Vernell Brown III is returning, and the Gators are working hard to keep Dallas Wilson in the fold. If both are back, that’s a significant chunk of NIL money committed to the position - which likely limits Florida’s appetite to go after a big-name receiver in the portal.
Still, this room could use a few depth pieces, especially with the physical demands of the SEC. But barring a major surprise, Florida probably won’t be chasing a top-tier portal receiver this cycle.
Tight End
Tony Livingston is back, and that gives the Gators a solid starting point at tight end. Unless a high-impact name unexpectedly hits the portal, this is likely a “wait and see” position. Florida might add a depth piece, but there’s no urgency to make a major move here.
Offensive Line
Now here’s where things get interesting. Florida is set to lose a good chunk of experience up front, and the offensive line will need serious reinforcements heading into 2026.
The challenge? Quality offensive tackles are among the hardest commodities to find in the portal.
That won’t stop Florida from trying. If a high-level tackle becomes available, expect the Gators to go all-in. This is a position where you can’t afford to miss - especially with a new quarterback coming in and a fresh offense to protect.
EDGE
The edge group has some intriguing pieces returning, including Jayden Woods, who flashed as a freshman, and former five-star LJ McCray, who could be one of the biggest swing players on the entire roster next season.
Still, Florida likely needs to add at least one or two more bodies here. The question is how aggressive they’ll be, especially if significant NIL resources are already tied up in the current group. Look for Florida to target complementary pass rushers rather than headline names.
Defensive Tackle
This was a position of need last year - and Florida didn’t do much about it. That can’t happen again.
The good news is the Gators return some experience on the interior. The bad news?
It’s unclear whether any of those returners are true difference-makers. Florida doesn’t need to overhaul the room, but they do need at least one impact player to anchor the middle.
This is a spot to watch closely.
Linebacker
With Myles Graham and Aaron Chiles coming back, linebacker is in solid shape. That duo gives Florida a strong core to build around in 2026.
Unless there’s a surprise departure, the Gators will likely use the portal to add depth here rather than chase a starting-caliber player. Think rotational pieces and special teams contributors.
Cornerback
This is one of the trickier rooms to evaluate. The talent is there - Ben Hanks III, Cormani McClain, and Dijon Johnson all bring high ceilings - but there’s not much in the way of proven production.
That makes this a prime candidate for portal help. Florida doesn’t need to overhaul the group, but adding a veteran with starting experience would go a long way in stabilizing the secondary and giving the younger guys time to develop.
Safety
Like corner, the safety room is full of potential but light on experience. Drake Stubbs and Lagonza Hayward are names to watch, but neither has logged meaningful snaps yet.
Florida will almost certainly explore the portal for a veteran presence here - someone who can mentor the younger players while also contributing right away. This is a position where one smart addition could make a major difference.
Final Thoughts
With the portal set to open on January 2, Florida is entering a critical stretch that could shape the 2026 roster in a big way. The Gators have a mix of young talent and returning experience, but they’ll need to be aggressive - and strategic - in how they attack key needs.
Quarterback and offensive line stand out as immediate priorities. Defensive tackle and the secondary should also be high on the list. Other positions, like running back and tight end, offer more stability and may only require depth additions.
Jon Sumrall is looking to put his stamp on this program, and the transfer portal offers a fast track to doing just that. If Florida plays it right, this could be the offseason that sets the tone for a new era in Gainesville.