Florida Gators already making waves in the transfer portal being linked with serious impact players for the 2026 season

It took less than 12 hours for the Florida Gators to make an impact in the transfer portal, as head coach Jon Sumrall’s hitting the ground running.

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
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Nov 21, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets quarterback Aaron Philo (12) throws a pass against the North Carolina State Wolfpack in the fourth quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field.
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The Florida Gators have a lot of needs they need to address in the transfer portal. Head coach Jon Sumrall is working tirelessly to attack the offseason and bring the program up to the elite level the fanbase expects.

Ahead of the transfer portal opening at midnight ET on Friday, Jan. 2nd, the Gators had more than 20 players choose to enter, including starting quarterback DJ Lagway. It didn’t take long for Sumrall to make an impact with players in the portal. Within the first 12 hours, the Gators have already scheduled multiple visits, along with having a prediction we all saw coming.

Florida Gators transfer portal visits and additions are coming quickly

QB Aaron Philo predicted to land in Florida

Once Lagway chose to enter the transfer portal, finding a new quarterback was going to be a priority. With a lot of big names in the portal, there were a lot of potential targets, but they are going after one in Aaron Philo from Georgia Tech, and they already have a prediction to land him.

Philo spent the last three seasons with the Yellow Jackets, and spent time with offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner, and that experience will make an impact early on. While Philo has just one start for Georgia Tech, he did break Trevor Lawrence’s high school passing records.

Gators to host New Mexico TE Dorian Thomas

One position that the Gators are going to attack in the transfer portal is tight end. They do have Amir Jackson returning, but adding depth is important. The Gators are hosting one of the top emerging players at the position in Dorian Thomas.

Thomas initially committed to the Arizona Wildcats in the class of 2023, and only played three games for them. He played for New Mexico in 2025, catching 56 passes for 560 yards and four touchdowns. The 6’4, 239 pound tight end is a weapon up the seam, who can make the passing game more explosive.

Penn State OT Eagan Boyer set to take a visit

New offensive line coach Phil Trautwein is bringing in players from his former job at Penn State with Eagan Boyer set to visit the Gators.

Boyer is 6’8 and 302 pounds at offensive tackle and was a three-star recruit in the 2024 class. He has three years of eligibility remaining, and if Trautwein is bringing him in for a visit, there is something there worth developing.

Baylor DB DJ Coleman scheduled to visit Florida

Secondary needs some veteran players, and Baylor defensive back DJ Coleman fits the bill. He’s set to visit Gainesville, starting on Saturday.

Coleman would be a similar addition to Micheal Caraway Jr. last year. There are multiple young safeties/STARs in Ben Hanks III and Lagonza Hayward. Adding Coleman to the group will add much-needed depth to a group that needs to have a veteran presence.

Emerging edge rusher Emmanuel Oyebadejo visiting Florida

Going to the Group of Five to add transfer players is a good strategy. They’ve done that with the likes on Montrell Johnson Jr. and Caleb Banks. The Gators have another potential addition in Emmanuel Oyebadejo.

Originally born in England, the redshirt junior was excellent for the Gamecocks logging 43 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks in 2025. At 6’7 and either 295 or 315 pounds, depending on where you look, Oyebadejo could be a menace in Brad White’s defense.

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