The Florida Gators are in a bit of a transitional phase right now-and not just at the head coaching position. While Jon Sumrall continues to juggle his current responsibilities with Tulane as they chase a College Football Playoff run, Florida is already feeling the ripple effects of roster movement. One of those waves hit Monday, when running back Kahnen “KD” Daniels officially entered the transfer portal.
Daniels, a former four-star recruit and one of the more touted members of Florida’s 2024 signing class, is now looking for a new home. At 6-foot, 205 pounds, he brings three years of eligibility and some intriguing upside to the table. And while his time in Gainesville didn’t feature a starring role, there were flashes that suggest he could be a valuable addition elsewhere.
This past season, Daniels appeared in 10 games, logging 28 carries for 120 yards and a touchdown. That works out to a respectable 4.3 yards per carry-not eye-popping, but certainly efficient enough to turn heads in the portal, especially considering the limited opportunities. For a young back still finding his footing at the college level, that kind of production in a crowded backfield is nothing to scoff at.
Daniels’ recruiting pedigree also speaks volumes. Coming out of high school, he was ranked No. 203 overall in the 247Sports Composite Rankings for the 2024 class.
He had no shortage of high-level interest, taking visits to Florida State, Auburn, and Texas A&M before ultimately committing to the Gators. Programs like Alabama, Oregon, and Ole Miss also extended offers.
That kind of attention doesn’t just disappear-and with the transfer portal as active as ever, expect his phone to stay busy.
From Florida’s perspective, this opens up a depth question in the running back room, particularly behind the expected lead options. Whoever takes over the backup role will have big shoes to fill-not necessarily in terms of production, but in terms of potential. Daniels was seen as a long-term piece in the Gators’ offense, and now they’ll need to re-evaluate that developmental pipeline.
Meanwhile, Sumrall will eventually settle into his new role in Gainesville once his Tulane duties are wrapped. But his to-do list is already growing. Rebuilding depth, especially at skill positions like running back, will be crucial as Florida gears up for the 2026 season.
The Gators open next year on September 5 against Florida Atlantic. By then, the roster will look a little different-and whoever steps into Daniels’ spot will have a chance to make their own mark.