Jayden Woods returns to Florida Gators in 2026: Jon Sumrall achieves second huge re-recruitment win

Football

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Image Credit: UAA

Florida Gators freshman EDGE Jayden Woods has decided to remain with the program for his second collegiate season, pulling his name out of the transfer portal just over a week after announcing his intention to enter. Rated as the No. 10 overall player up for grabs in the portal this offseason by 247Sports, Woods’ return to the Gators stands as the second major re-recruitment victory this week for new head coach Jon Sumrall.

A 2025 Freshman All-SEC selection, Woods made two starts in 12 game appearances, registering 28 tackles (5.0 for loss), 3.5 sacks, two quarterback hurries, an interception, a fumble recovery and a pass breakup.

The former four-star, top 100 recruit will return to Florida as a full-fledged starter under defensive line coach Gerald Chatman, who was promoted to assistant head coach by Sumrall.

Woods’ decision comes one day after the Gators successfully re-recruited star sophomore running back Jadan Baugh.

Though Florida lost several talented players to the portal, it is refilling its coffers nicely considering the program’s lack of recent success and understandable uncertainty with a new coach leading the team.

Jacksonville State transfer defensive lineman Emmanuel Oyebadejo will likely line up as a starter inside, aiding Woods’ pass-rushing abilities.