Gainesville, Florida, January 10, 2026
The Florida Gators football team is making significant improvements to its roster ahead of the upcoming season by leveraging the NCAA Transfer Portal. Under the leadership of head coach Jon Sumrall, the team has announced the addition of several players, including quarterback Aaron Philo and running back Evan Pryor. Meanwhile, some existing players have opted to enter the transfer portal as the Gators work to enhance their competitiveness in the league.
Gainesville, Florida – Gators Football Team’s Transfer Portal Moves
The Florida Gators football team has been strategically utilizing the NCAA Transfer Portal to bolster their roster for the upcoming season. Led by new head coach Jon Sumrall, the Gators have secured commitments from several players across various positions, aiming to enhance both their offensive and defensive capabilities.
Recent Additions
- Quarterback Aaron Philo: A transfer from Georgia Tech, Philo brings valuable experience and is expected to compete for the starting quarterback position. His familiarity with offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner, who previously coached him at Georgia Tech, is expected to facilitate a smooth transition. Philo has three years of eligibility remaining.
- Running Back Evan Pryor: Joining from Cincinnati, Pryor adds depth to the running back position. In the previous season, he accumulated 522 rushing yards and three touchdowns, along with 107 receiving yards and a touchdown.
- Defensive Lineman Emmanuel Oyebadejo: Transferring from Jacksonville State, Oyebadejo recorded 43 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles last season. His addition is expected to bolster the Gators’ defensive line.
- Offensive Linemen TJ Shanahan Jr. and Eagan Boyer: Both players from Penn State, Shanahan and Boyer bring experience to the offensive line. Shanahan has made 10 starts in his college career, while Boyer stands at 6-foot-8 and weighs 302 pounds.
- Safety Cam Dooley: A transfer from Kentucky, Dooley recorded 30 total tackles, one interception, one forced fumble, and a fumble recovery last season. His experience in the SEC is expected to be valuable for the Gators’ secondary.
- Wide Receiver Micah Mays: Coming from Wake Forest, Mays contributed 18 receptions for 302 yards and two touchdowns in the previous season. His addition aims to enhance the Gators’ receiving corps.
- Specialists Patrick Durkin and Alec Clark: Transfers from Tulane, Durkin and Clark are set to fill the kicker and punter positions, respectively, replacing Trey Smack and Tommy Doman who graduated after the previous season.
Departures
Several players have decided to enter the transfer portal, including:
- Quarterback DJ Lagway: After two seasons as Florida’s starting quarterback, Lagway announced his decision to enter the transfer portal. His departure follows a season marked by injuries and inconsistent performance.
- Running Back KD Daniels: Daniels, who contributed 120 rushing yards and one touchdown last season, has also chosen to transfer.
- Specialists Hayden Craig and Mack Mulhern: Both players have entered the transfer portal transferring to LSU.
- Running Back Ja’Kobi Jackson: Jackson, who recorded 607 rushing yards and seven touchdowns over the past two seasons, has opted to enter the transfer portal.
- Running Back Treyaun Webb: Webb, a former four-star recruit, plans to enter the transfer portal after not making any appearances in the 2025 season.
- Kicker Evan Noel: The No. 1 overall kicker in the 2025 class has decided to transfer.
- Defensive Back Aaron Gates: Gates has entered the transfer portal, seeking new opportunities.
Context
The NCAA Transfer Portal has become a vital resource for college football teams to adjust their rosters, especially during coaching transitions. Under Coach Sumrall’s leadership, the Gators have been proactive in using the portal to address team needs and enhance their competitiveness. The departures highlight the fluid nature of college football rosters, as players pursue opportunities that suit their career aspirations and playing time goals.
Looking Ahead
As the transfer portal window continues, the Florida Gators are likely to make further roster moves. The coaching staff is dedicated to building a competitive team capable of making a mark in the Southeastern Conference and competing on a national level.
FAQ
Who is Aaron Philo?
Aaron Philo is a quarterback transferring from Georgia Tech to Florida. He has three years of eligibility remaining and is expected to compete for the starting quarterback position. His previous experience with offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner is anticipated to aid his transition.
What positions are the Florida Gators focusing on in the transfer portal?
The Gators have focused on enhancing their roster by adding players to key positions, including quarterback, running back, defensive line, offensive line, safety, wide receiver, and specialists. These additions aim to strengthen both the offense and defense for the upcoming season.
Who are some notable departures from the Florida Gators football team?
Notable departures include quarterback DJ Lagway, who announced his decision to enter the transfer portal after two seasons as the starting quarterback. Additionally, running back KD Daniels and specialists Hayden Craig and Mack Mulhern have also entered the transfer portal.
Key Features
| Player | Position | Previous School | Key Stats | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aaron Philo | Quarterback | Georgia Tech | 21 of 28 passing (75% completion), 373 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception | Expected to compete for starting QB position; 3 years eligibility remaining |
| Evan Pryor | Running Back | Cincinnati | 76 rushing attempts, 522 yards, 3 touchdowns; 10 receptions, 107 yards, 1 touchdown | Adds depth to running back position |
| Emmanuel Oyebadejo | Defensive Lineman | Jacksonville State | 43 tackles, 6.5 TFL, 4.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles | Strengthens defensive line |
| TJ Shanahan Jr. | Offensive Lineman | Penn State | Appeared in 13 games | Brings experience to offensive line |
| Eagan Boyer | Offensive Lineman | Penn State | 6-foot-8, 302 pounds | Enhances offensive line depth |
| Cam Dooley | Safety | Kentucky | 30 tackles, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery | Bolsters secondary |
| Micah Mays | Wide Receiver | Wake Forest | 18 receptions, 302 yards, 2 touchdowns | Enhances receiving corps |
| Patrick Durkin | Kicker | Tulane | Not specified | Replaces graduated kicker Trey Smack |
| Alec Clark | Punter | Tulane | Not specified | Replaces graduated punter Tommy Doman |
| DJ Lagway | Quarterback | Florida | Not specified | Entered transfer portal after two seasons as starting QB |
| KD Daniels | Running Back | Florida | 120 rushing yards, 1 touchdown | Entered transfer portal |
Now Happening on X
- @wjxt4 (January 6, 2026, 10:37 AM) The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office reports that two officers shot and killed a man who pulled a gun during questioning in the Bartram Park area near the Duval-St. Johns County line. View on X
- @JSOPIO (January 6, 2026, 6:16 AM) Details shared on an officer-involved shooting that occurred on Egrets Nest Drive off Gran Bay Parkway around 8:30 PM, involving Undersheriff Shawn Coarsey and Chief Michael Paul. View on X
- @wcti12 (January 7, 2026, 9:02 PM) Jacksonville police have arrested a 51-year-old man on charges including felony assault by strangulation and communicating threats, with him held without bond. View on X
- @FHP_Notifier (January 9, 2026, 11:22 PM) Update on a hit and run crash with injuries and roadblock at Southside Blvd [NB] & Gate Pkwy N in Jacksonville, where northbound lanes were blocked. View on X
- @FHP_Notifier (January 8, 2026, 9:47 PM) Update on a vehicle crash with injuries and roadblock at Oakhurst Ave & Smyrna St in Jacksonville, resulting in full road blockage. View on X
- @FHP_Notifier (January 9, 2026, 9:26 PM) Update on a vehicle crash with injuries and roadblock on I-295 SB @ MM22 in Jacksonville, causing road blockage. View on X
- @FHP_Notifier (January 3, 2026, 9:03 PM) Silver Alert issued for an endangered adult at 980 N Jefferson St & W 1st Street in Jacksonville. View on X
- @1032shotsfired (January 6, 2026, 5:44 AM) Jacksonville police are investigating an officer-involved shooting near Bartram Park, asking the public to avoid the Egrets Nest Drive area. View on X
- @wcti12 (January 6, 2026, 1:05 PM) Local headlines include investigators working a Cove City murder case and a Jacksonville mother charged in the death of a 16-month-old child. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Ohio State Football Program Secures Top Defensive Recruits
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
