Florida Gators in transfer portal, 2026: DJ Lagway, Eugene Wilson III among top players leaving program

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Significant NCAA rules changes have effectively led to annual free agency in college football. While some teams turn over more players than others, those that generally see the most significant changes year to year are those that make changes at the top.

That is the category in which the Florida Gators fall into entering the 2026 college football season with head coach Jon Sumrall taking over for the ousted Billy Napier. Not only is Sumrall the new lead man in charge, nearly the entire coaching staff has turned over as hope arises that sustained success will return to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Still, the Florida football team will look quite different next year — not only those holding the whistles and clipboards but those wearing the orange and blue jerseys. The Gators have already seen numerous significant departures, which became official when the transfer portal officially opened on Jan. 2, 2026.

Let’s take a look at the 31 players who are planning to leave Florida …

DJ Lagway, quarterback: A disappointing sophomore year — coming after an offseason in which Lagway did not practice due to medical decisions made by his camp — was basically the nail in the coffin for his Gators career. Though Lagway apparently wanted to stay at Florida, a split is likely best for both sides. He completed 63% of his passes for 2,264 yards with 16 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in 12 games. Lagway was a five-star prospect and the No. 4 overall player in the Class of 2024. Read more

Jayden Woods, EDGE: The freshman standout is poised to be one of the hottest names in the portal after registering 28 tackles (five for loss) with 3.5 sacks, a forced fumble and an interception. Woods was set to start for Florida next season after joining the program as a late recruiting flip from Penn State, a major coup for the Gators at the time. He played all 12 games in 2025. He originally entered the transfer portal but ultimately changed his mind, deciding to remain at Florida.

Eugene Wilson III, wide receiver: A borderline top 100 prospect out of high school, Wilson has accounted for 1,043 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns in parts of three seasons. He was never able to live up to his true freshman campaign, in which he compiled 538 yards receiving and six touchdowns over 10 games. Wilson played in four games the next season, taking a redshirt, before suiting up six times in 2025 before suffering another injury. His last time suiting up in the orange and blue — a nine-reception, 121-yard performance with a score against Georgia on Nov. 1 — was a top-three game of his career.

Aidan Mizell, wide receiver: A former four-star prospect and track star whose family graduated from Florida, Mizell totalled just 404 yards receiving and three touchdowns in two full seasons and a redshirt campaign. He was seemingly never healthy, playing 14 combined games the last two seasons.

Jordan Castell, safety: A 2023 Freshman All-SEC selection, Castell started 35 of the 36 games he played over the last three seasons (34 starts in a row). He will have one year of eligibility remaining as a senior next year. This past season, he finished third in tackles (54) and assisted tackles (26), co-leading the Gators with two interceptions.

Ja’Kobi Jackson, running back: Played 17 games in two seasons, making one start, though he only played four games in 2025. Jackson compiled 607 yards and seven touchdowns on 122 carries. The redshirt senior, a JUCO transfer, received a waiver for an additional year of eligibility.

Treyaun Webb, running back: Though it was long expected that Webb would be able to suit up for Florida in 2025 after missing significant time due to injury, that never came to pass. He carried the ball 47 times for 256 yards and three touchdowns across 10 appearances as a backup, often flashing talent despite being stuck behind other players.

Grayson Howard, linebacker: A transfer from South Carolina, he started the first nine games of the 2024 season but only took the field three times since due to injury. He totalled 37 tackles (17 solo, two for loss) with a sack, two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble in 2024. Howard has one year of eligibility remaining.

Shari Denson, defensive back: Played in 36 straight games over three seasons, starting 11 times in 2025 and six times in 2024. Denson registered one interception, one forced fumble and four total pass breakups. His availability was admirable, but an overall lack of production and some poor coverage made him inconsistent on the field.

Aaron Gates, defensive back: Gates appeared in only four games after sustaining a season-ending shoulder injury, registering nine tackles. He started five of nine appearances in 2024, though, flashing with 27 tackles (14 solo, four for lost yardage), an interception, three pass defenses, two fumble recoveries and a quarterback hurry.

Hayden Hansen, tight end: Starting 34 of his last 37 games, including every contest the last two seasons, Hansen primarily served as a blocker. He caught 45 catches for 461 yards and three touchdowns from 2024-25. The redshirt junior will have one year of eligibility remaining.

Michai Boireau, defensive lineman: Started nine games on the interior this season after playing in 12 games as a true freshman in 2024, totalling 35 tackles with two sacks and an interception.

Tony Livingston, tight end: Started six of 20 appearances the last two seasons after playing seven games on special teams as a freshman. Totaled 232 yards receiving and four touchdowns in his career. One year of eligilibty remaining.

KD Daniels, running back: Played in 13 games over the last two seasons, totalling 31 touches for 122 yards and a touchdown in 2025.

Tank Hawkins, wide receiver: Played in 11 games over two seasons, totalling 12 receptions, 116 yards receiving and a touchdown.

Amir Jackson, tight end: A four-star, top 100 prospect in the Class of 2024, Jackson played in 15 games over the last two seasons (11 in 2025), totalling three catches for 29 yards. He originally announced he would enter the portal but changed his mind, instead deciding to remain at Florida.

Evan Noel, kicker: The top-rated player in the nation out of high school last year, Noel never saw the field for the Gators, spending the season developing behind Trey Smack.

Hayden Craig, punter: A true freshman on scholarship, Craig was expected to compete for the starting job in 2026. He did not play in 2025.

Mack Mulhern, long snapper: Did not play in 2025 but was expected to compete for the starting job in 2026.

Naeshaun Montgomery, wide receiver: A four-star prospect ranked No. 170 nationally by 247Sports, Montgomery played four games this season but will likely take a redshirt with four years of eligibility remaining.

Teddy Foster, defensive back: Played in 11 games over the last two seasons.

Muizz Tounkara, wide receiver: Played in eight games and made two catches.

Jamroc Grimsley, defensive back: Played five games in two seasons.

Devon Manuel, offensive lineman: Played four games in two seasons after transferring from Arkansas.

Cameron Kossman, tight end: The former three-star prospect played in one game this season as a true freshman.

Tarvorise Brown, defensive lineman: The former walk-on played three games this season.

Josiah Davis, defensive back: Did not play this season after seeing action in four games as a freshman.

Noel Portnjagin, offensive lineman: Did not play in 2025 after seeing the field once in 2024.

Marcus Mascoll, offensive lineman: Never played in two seasons with the team.

Enoch Wangony, offensive lineman: Never played in two seasons after reclassifying to enroll early.

Chad Gasper Jr., running back: Did not play this season.

Jackson Wade, wide receiver: Made 16 appearances as a walk-on.

Mike Peterson Jr., wide receiver: Did not play this season as a walk-on freshman.