GAINESVILLE — New Gators coach Jon Sumrall inherited a four-win staff with a roster in want of a large overhaul.
The switch portal, which opened Friday, permits applications to speed up the rebuilding course of and substitute departing gamers — greater than 30 in Florida’s case.
After signing a 2026 recruiting class ranked sixteenth nationally whereas he nonetheless coached the Inexperienced Wave to a CFP berth, Sumrall and his workers turned their consideration to the 15-day switch portal window Jan. 2-16.
Right here’s a take a look at whom the Gators have signed:
WR Jaylen Lloyd, Oklahoma State (dedicated Jan. 16)
Vitals: 5-10, 180 kilos
Resumé: Lloyd was a 3-star prospect from Omaha (Nebraska) Westside rated the nation’s No. 85 athlete within the 2023 class. He caught 66 passes for 1,225 yards and eight touchdowns in 2021-22, together with 44 receptions for 784 yards and 5 scores to assist Westside to the 2022 state Class A title.
Position: Lloyd performed in 23 video games, together with 4 begins throughout two seasons at Nebraska earlier than he left for Oklahoma State. As a real freshman in 2023, he managed six catches for 237 yards and three scores, every of them no less than 58 yards. In 2024, Lloyd had 13 catches for 255 yards however didn’t discover the tip zone. At Oklahoma State, Lloyd appeared in simply two video games, dashing the ball as soon as for a yard.
Outlook: The Gators have huge potential on the perimeter, however Lloyd flashed explosiveness at Nebraska. Auburn switch Eric Singleton’s addition after three seasons with 162 catches, 2,002 yards and 12 scores elevated a place already that includes playmaking prowess. Main receiver Vernell Brown III and 6-foot-3, 213-pound Dallas Wilson return for his or her sophomore seasons whereas redshirt sophomore TJ Abrams seems to be to construct on his November contributions (9 catches, 105 yards). The Gators additionally welcome Davian Groce, rated the nation’s No. 4 “athlete” and No. 47 total recruit, out of Frisco, Texas.
CB Kanye Clark, UCLA (Jan. 12)
Vitals: 6-0, 190 kilos
Resumé: Clark was a 3-star prospect as a large receiver out of Capital Christian in Sacremento, Calif., the place he was the nation’s No. 315 prospect at his place.
Position: Clark, in his third 12 months at UCLA, completed 2025 with 23 tackles as a redshirt freshman together with two go breakups and a compelled fumble in 9 video games at each cornerback and at nickel. He appeared in simply 5 video games in 2023-24, recording 4 tackles, together with one for loss, and two go breakups.
Outlook: Clark is the primary switch the Gators have signed at a place missing skilled depth, alongside questions surrounding the highest two returners. Two-year starter Dijon Johnson suffered a season-ending knee damage throughout a Sept. 20 loss at Miami; his restoration timetable might sideline him till fall camp. Fellow redshirt junior Cormani McClain has but to dwell as much as his potential as a top-rated cornerback prospect within the 2023 class who joined the Gators within the spring of 2024 after transferring from Colorado. In 13 appearances the previous two seasons, together with six begins in 2025, McClain has 23 tackles, two interceptions and 4 passes defended. Florida will want extra impression performs from him in 2026, particularly with prime cornerback Devin Moore transferring on after 4 seasons. In the meantime, Ja’Vari Flowers got here on through the second half of his first faculty season, with 17 tackles within the last six video games. Ben Hanks Jr. returns after he ended his true freshman season with an interception and two breakups through the season-finale in opposition to Florida State, simply Hanks’ third look in 2025. Devine Moore, Florida’s prime cornerback in 2025
TE Luke Harpring, Georgia Tech (Jan. 10)
Vitals: 6-3, 240 kilos
Resumé: Harpring was 4-star prospect out of the Marist Faculty in Atlanta rated the nation’s No. 9 tight finish and No. 173 total prospect within the 2024 class who stayed near him when he dedicated to Georgia Tech.
Position: Throughout two seasons with the Yellow Jackets enjoying for brand spanking new Florida offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner, Harpring caught 16 passes for 201 yards throughout 17 appearances. Throughout 13 video games in 2025, together with a begin, he had 13 catches for 158 yards.
Outlook: The Gators misplaced prime tight finish Hayden Hansen, who transferred to Oklahoma after he had 30 catches for 254 yards and two scores in 2025. The 6-foot-6 ¼, 267-pound Hansen was a strong blocker, however not a bodily runner after the catch, averaging 10.7 yards on 57 catches (611 yards).
Outlook: Hansen’s departure left Florida solely two skilled scholarship tight ends, senior Tony Livingston and redshirt sophomore Amir Jackson, who determined to not enter the portal. True freshman tight finish Micah Jones, out of Madison, Miss., returns, however 3-star 2025 signee Cameron Kossman transferred. UF didn’t signal a good finish within the the 2026 class after Hawaii’s Kekua Aumua modified his dedication to Washington. Harpring joins 6-foot-3, 252- pound Lacota Dippre of James Madison as new tight ends added by means of the portal.
WR Eric Singleton, Auburn (dedicated Jan. 10)
Vitals: 5-10, 180 kilos
Resumé: Singleton was a 3-star prospect out of Alexander in Douglasville, Georgia, rated the nation’s No. 73 huge receiver within the 2023 class. He had 65 catches for 1,115 yards and 12 scores as a senior in 2022 earlier than signing at Georgia Tech.
Position: Singleton ought to step right into a beginning position, alongside Brown and Willson. He had 48 catches for 714 yards and 6 touchdowns as a real freshman, adopted by 56 grabs for 754 yards and three scores as a sophomore earlier than transferring to Auburn. Paired with elite sophomore receiver Cam Coleman and catching passes from Jackson Arnold, the SEC’s lowest-rated quarterback, Singleton produced 58 receptions for 534 yards and three touchdowns in 2025.
Outlook: The Gators have huge potential on the perimeter. Main receiver Vernell Brown III and 6-foot-3, 213-pound Dallas Wilson return for his or her sophomore season whereas redshirt sophomore TJ Abrams seems to be construct on a his November contributions (9 catches, 105 yards). The Gators additionally welcome Davian Groce, rated the nation’s No. 4 “athlete” and No. 47 total recruit, out of Frisco, Texas.
C Harrison Moore, Georgia Tech (Jan. 9)
Vitals: 6-5, 300 kilos
Resumé: Moore was a 3-star prospect rated the nation’s No. 83 inside offensive line prospect within the 2024 class.
Position: Moore didn’t permit a sack on 866 snaps throughout two seasons and 21 appearances, together with 10 begins (9 in 2025).
Outlook: The Gators’ offensive line should substitute 2024 All-America heart Jake Slaughter, left sort out Austin Barber and proper guard Damion George after they accomplished their eligibility. The trio, which mixed for 102 begins at UF, was anticipated to anchor one of many nation’s prime O-lines. UF will return three gamers with beginning expertise: left guard Knijeah Harris, who began 25 video games the previous two seasons, proper sort out Caden Jones, who began 10 video games in 2025, and five-game starter Bryce Lovett.
OL Emeka Ugorji, Stanford (Jan. 9)
Vitals: 6-5, 300 kilos
Resumé: Ugorji was a 3-star prospect out of South Oak Cliff in Dallas rated the nation’s No. 71 offensive line prospect within the 2025 class.
Position: Ugorji stepped in as a real freshman to seem in 10 video games, together with eight begins — seven of them at proper guard. He led the ACC in offensive guard snaps with 523 whereas committing simply two penalties.
Outlook: Ugorji is a promising younger participant who might step in and problem for a beginning position at a place in flux throughout a large overhaul up entrance. Harris, who began 25 video games the previous two seasons, ought to deal with the left aspect, however George’s departure leaves a gap at proper guard. Ugorji can also play proper sort out, the place Jones was a strong performer and Lovett struggled.
RB London Montgomery, East Carolina (Jan. 8)
Vitals: 5-11, 197 kilos
Resumé: Montgomery was a 3-star prospect out of Scranton (Pennsylvania) Prep rated the nation’s No. 35 working again within the 2023 class by 247Sports who signed with Penn State out of highschool.
Position: Montgomery transferred after one season to East Carolina, the place he rushed for 1,001 yards and 9 touchdowns in two seasons, together with a team-leading 742 yards and 7 scores on 156 carries in 2005.
Outlook: Montgomery joins Cincinnati switch Evan Pryor to supply returning 1,000-yard rusher Jadan Baugh skilled, confirmed backups, whereas Duke Clark and Byron Louis will push for greater roles as redshirt freshmen in 2026.
S Cam Dooley, Kentucky (Jan. 8)
Vitals: 6-2, 208 kilos
Resumé: Dooley was a 4-star prospect rated because the nation’s No. 8 athlete and No. 195 total recruiting within the 2024 class.
Position: Taking part in for Florida’s new safeties coach Chris Collins, Dooley recorded 30 tackles, an interception and a compelled fumble as a sophomore in 2025.
Outlook: Dooley would play security or transfer to the nickel place after Sharif Denson’s departure for Ole Miss and Aaron Gates entered within the portal. Lagonza Hayward noticed some motion there as a real freshman. At security, the Gators misplaced three-year starter Jordan Castell however will return senior Bryce Thornton and sophomore Drake Stubbs of Jacksonville. UF signed 2025 Underneath Armour All-American Kaiden “KD” Corridor of Milton, on the Florida Panhandle, and Dylan Purter of Alabama, who flipped his dedication from LSU.
Lengthy snapper Carter Milliron, Louisiana (Jan. 8)
Vitals: 6-0, 257 kilos
Resumé: Milliron was an unranked prospect out of Hoover, Alabama, however established himself on the 2022 Kohl’s Nationwide Scholarship Camp, the place he had the ninth-highest rating amongst 200 snappers.
Position: Milliron appeared in 44 video games for the Ragin’ Cajuns.
Outlook: Milliron will substitute Rocco Underwood, who appeared in 49 video games in 4 seasons. A former Lake Mary standout, Underwood gained the 2024 Mannelly Award for the nation’s prime lengthy snapper. In 2025, he was a semifinalist for the award and named third-team All-SEC.
S Elijah Owens, Mississippi Gulf Coast Group School (Jan. 7)
Vitals: 6-3, 210 kilos
Resumé: Owens was unrated out of Citronelle Excessive on the northern border of Cellular, Alabama, the place he recorded 84 tackles, 4 interceptions and three compelled fumbles through the 2023-24 seasons.
Position: Owens spent 2025 at Mississippi Gulf Coast Group School, tallying 65 tackles, an interception and three passes defended final season..
Outlook: Owens will present much-needed depth at security, the place Thornton is the one veteran, Owens will vie with Stubbs, Corridor and Purter for snaps.
WR Micah Mays Jr., Wake Forest (Jan. 7)
Vitals: 6-2, 196 kilos
Resumé: Mays was a 4-star from The Benjamin Faculty in North Palm Seaside rated the nation’s No. 25 receiver and No. 177 total prospect within the 2023 class.
Position: recorded Mays caught 34 passes for 520 yards and 4 sscores throughout 22 video games the previous two seasons with the Demon Deacons.
Outlook: Mays will push to carve out a job because the Gators’ receiving corps continues to enhance with Singleton’s signing, the return of Brown, Wilson and TJ Abrams, and the addition of Groce.
QB Aaron Philo, Georgia Tech (Jan. 6)
Vitals: 6-2, 220 kilos
Resumé: Philo was a 3-star prospect out of Prince Avenue Christian Faculty in Bogart, Georgia, rated the nation’s No. 47 quarterback within the 2024 class by 247Sports. Philo threw for a state document 13,922 passing yards to interrupt Jacksonville Jaguars’ quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s mark. As a senior in 2023, Philo handed for a single-season state-record 56 touchdowns.
Position: Philo served as backup to Haynes King in 2024 and 2025, whereas showing in eight video games. Throughout his solely begin for the Yellow Jackets, Philo was 21-of-28 for 373 yards, with a landing and interception Sept. 6 in opposition to Gardner Webb. Total, Philo accomplished 59 of 102 throws (57.8%) for 938 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions. He rushed for 95 yards and a rating on 16 carries.
Outlook: Philo arrives to assist new Gators’ offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner to switch DJ Lagway. Lagway began 19 video games in two seasons however transferred after a disappointing sophomore season that includes an SEC-leading 14 interceptions and 16 touchdowns. Redshirt freshman Tramell Jones Jr., a 19-year-old former 4-star prospect from Jacksonville who appeared in two video games at UF in 2025. Additionally within the combine is true freshman Will Griffin, a 4-star prospect who set data at Tampa Jesuit.
DE Emmanuel Oyebadejo, Jacksonville State (Jan. 6)
Vitals: 6-7, 295 kilos
Resumé: Oyebadejo was an unrated prospect out of Loreto School Manchester, England, who in 2024 landed at Jacksonville State, an FCS college in Alabama.
Position: Oyebadejo recorded 41 tackles, together with 6.5 for loss (4.5 sacks), in 2025. He additionally had six quarterback hurries, 5 go breakups and two compelled fumbles.
Outlook: The Gators re-signed edge rusher Kam James of Orlando for his senior season after he recorded 44 tackles, together with 4.5 sacks, in 2025 and overshadowed fifth-year senior Tyreak Sapp (34 tackles, one sack). Veteran George Gumbs Jr. (31 tackles, 2.5 sacks) additionally was disappointing off the sting. In the meantime, promising true freshman Jayden Woods (28 stops, 3.5 sacks) was a prime goal for Sumrall.
G TJ Shanahan Jr., Penn State (Jan. 6)
Vitals: 6-4, 330 kilos
Resumé: Shanahan, the cousin of former Gators’ guard Jon Halapio, was a 4-star prospect out of Austin (Texas) Westlake Excessive rated the nation’s No. 21 inside offensive lineman within the 2023 class by 247Sports.
Position: Shanahan appeared in 5 video games in 13 appearances after he transferred from Texas A&M, the place he began 5 video games and performed 419 snaps throughout 10 appearances in 2024.
Outlook: Sumrall aimed to overhauls a Gators’ offensive line anticipated to be one of many nation’s finest, however too usually was inconsistent. Slaughter and Barber are the important thing losses, however Shanahan, Boyer, Moore and Ugorji provide loads of choices whereas Harris, Jones and Lovett return with a mixed 40 begins. Keep watch over 6-foot-5, 321-pound redshirt freshman Jahari Medlock, and 2024 USC switch heart Jason Zandamela, a redshirt sophomore.
OT Eagan Boyer, Penn State (Jan. 6)
Vitals: 6-8, 302 kilos
Resumé: Boyer was a 3-star prospect rated the nation’s No. 49 offensive sort out prospect within the 2024 class.
Position: Boyer appeared in 12 video games throughout two seasons at Penn State, together with eight in 2025. His solely starter was through the Nittany Lions’ 22-10 win in opposition to Clemson Dec. 27 within the Pinstripe Bowl.
Outlook: Boyer constructed himself from a 240-pound prospect to turn into a strong rotational participant at Penn State. He’ll need to proceed to develop to earn a key position on a unit that has been a focus within the portal.
RB Evan Pryor, Cincinnati (Jan. 6)
Vitals: 5-9, 195 kilos
Resumé: Pryor was a 4-star prospect at Hough Excessive Faculty in Cornelius, N.C., who signed at Ohio State because the nation’s No. 7 working again within the 2021 class. He performed two seasons and appeared in eight video games throughout seasons in Columbus (2021-22).
Position: Pryor rushed for 522 yards, averaging 6.9 yards per carry, and scored thrice for 2025 the Bearcats after totaling 418 yards and 6 scores on 56 carries in 2024.
Outlook: Jadan Baugh’s 266-yard day throughout UF’s 40-21 season-ending win in opposition to FSU made him the varsity’s first 1,000-yard rusher since 2015 and cemented the sophomore’s place the Gators’ key offensive weapon coming into 2026. The departures of veterans Ja’Kobi Jackson, who performed simply 4 video games due to damage, and Treyaun Webb, who didn’t play in 2025, put redshirt freshman Duke Clark and Byron Louis behind Baugh. Clark produced 58 yards on 14 carries, together with two catches for 14 yards in 4 appearances. Louis is a former Plantation American Heritage standout and a 4-star prospect in 2025 who didn’t appeared final season, however rushed 2,943 yards and 34 scores throughout his last two highschool seasons.
Ok Patrick Durkin, Tulane (Jan. 6)
Vitals: 5-10, 175 kilos
Resumé: Durkin, native of Plainfield, Illinois, performed at Joliet Catholic Academy the place he was thought of a developmental participant on the faculty stage needing to extend leg energy and explosiveness.
Position: Durkin put to relaxation any doubts in 2025. He was named the American Convention’s Particular Groups Participant of the 12 months after making 25-of-28 discipline objectives try, with an extended of 52 yards. As a redshirt freshman, Durkin tied second nationally in made discipline objectives whereas additionally he ranked fifth with 66 touchbacks (on 77 kicks).
Outlook: Document-setter Trey Smack’s commencement and redshirt freshman Evan Noel’s departure go away the Gators searching for a kicker. Noel was rated the No. 1 kicker within the 2025 class by 247Sports.
P Alec Clark, Tulane (Jan. 6)
Vitals: 6-foot-1, 184 kilos
Resumé: Clark hails from Swan View, Australia, the place he wasn’t rated amongst these within the 2023 class.
Position: Clark led the AAC with a mean of 46.5 yards on 48 makes an attempt, together with 16 contained in the 20-yard line. Clark adopted new particular groups coach Johathan Galante from Marshall and has two seasons of remaining eligibility. In 2024, Clark 42.4 yards on 55 punts.
Outlook: Redshirt freshman Hayden Craig, rated the No. 5 punter within the 2025 class, moved on regardless of Michigan switch Tommy Doman leaving after he was a serviceable alternative for Jeremy Crawshaw, who averaged a school-record 46.4 yards per punt, together with the single-season mark of 48.9 in 2023.
WR Bailey Stockton, Georgia Tech (Jan. 5)
Vitals: 5-11, 185 kilos
Resumé: Stockton was a 3-star prospect within the 2023 class who attened the Prince Avenue Christian Faculty with Philo.
Position: Stockton 38 receptions for 439 yards and a landing in two seasons, together with 21 catches for 233 yards throughout 11 appearances in 2025.
Outlook: Stockton and Mays will complement of receiving corps constructed round Brown, Wilson and Singleton, Stockton’s former teammate at Georgia Tech. Groce shall be a wild card as a first-year freshman.
DT DK Kalu, Baylor (Jan. 5)
Vitals: 6-4, 309 kilos
Resumé: Kala was a 3-star prospect out of Fort Bend Ridge Level in Missouri Metropolis, Texas, rated the nation’s No. 99 defensive sort out prospects within the 2023 class.
Position: Kalu recorded 11 tackles, together with .5 for loss, and a quarterback hurry throughout 9 video games as a redshirt sophomore in 2025.
Outlook: Kalu from Baylor to bolster the depth of Florida’s defensive entrance. Former teammate and Baylor switch Brendan Bett stepped in to supply (40 tackles, three sacks) whereas the emergence of true freshman Jeremiah McCloud (13 tackles) and Joseph Mbatchou (11) provide the Gators inside defenders to construct round. Redshirt senior Jamari Lyons pushes to return to kind after managing 18 tackles, only one for loss, following his return from a shattered decrease leg throughout 2024 fall camp. UF additionally signed Kendall Guervil, a 4-star prospect out of Fort Myers, the place he tallied 88 stops, together with 12 for loss, in 2024. The Gators should substitute nostril sort out Michai Boireau, who transferred to Ole Miss.
TE Lacota Dippre, James Madison (Jan. 5)
Vitals: 6-3, 252 kilos
Resumé: Dippre was an unrated prospect out of Lakeland Excessive in Jermyn, Pennsylvania, who spent 2023-24 at Charlotte, his last season on the line of defense.
Position: Dippre caught 17 passes for 192 yards and three touchdowns in 2025 throughout 13 appearances with a CFP qualifier.
Outlook: The departure of two-year starter Hayden Hansen leaves UF with solely two skilled scholarship tight ends, senior Tony Livingston and redshirt sophomore Amir Jackson, who determined to not enter the portal. True freshman tight finish Micah Jones, out of Madison, Miss., returns, however 3-star 2025 signee Cameron Kossman transferred. UF has but to signal a good finish for the 2026 class. Kekua Aumua of Hawaii modified his dedication to Washington through the early signing interval.
S DJ Coleman, Baylor (Jan. 4)
Vitals: 6-1, 210 kilos
Resumé: Coleman was a 3-star prospect out of Mesquite (Texas) Horn Excessive Faculty rated the nation’s No. 88 security within the 2023 class.
Position: Coleman recorded 46 tackles, together with 6.5 for loss, two interceptions, 4 go breakups and two quarterbacks hurries throughout 12 video games in 2025. He had 89 tackles and 13 go breakups throughout 35 video games in three seasons with the Bears.
Outlook: The Gators misplaced Castell however re-signed Thornton and return Stubbs, a Jacksonville native rated the nation’s No. 6 security prospect within the 2025 class who managed simply three tackles in eight appearances at Florida in 2025. Corridor and Purter are a pair 4-star safeties within the 2026 class seeking to get within the combine.
Edgar Thompson will be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com
