Gators HC Jon Sumrall’s next priority is clear, and it revolves around DJ Lagway and Jadan Baugh

Preventing the stars on the Florida Gators’ offense from entering the transfer portal is a major priority for Jon Sumrall.

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
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Florida running back Jadan Baugh (13) runs in for a touch down during the second half of an NCAA football game at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, November 29, Florida beat Florida State 40-21.2025.
Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun

The Florida Gators are getting themselves in a better position as we get deeper into the offseason. Head coach Jon Sumrall is working both jobs throughout the College Football Playoff, and his character and work ethic will benefit both schools.

One area where the Gators have thrived is keeping players from entering the transfer portal. Retention has been a major focus of the Gators throughout the transfer portal era, and it’s why this job is so incredibly appealing to Sumrall: he can win immediately. If he wants to take the next step with the Gators, retaining these offensive players is paramount.

Florida Gators offensive players to retain for 2026 season

QB DJ Lagway

This is the one player that everyone will be looking at because of his five-star status. DJ Lagway was the No. 1 quarterback in the 2024 recruiting class and thrived at the end of his true freshman season.

That was a big reason why the Gators gave head coach Billy Napier one more season. This season was a very up-and-down venture for Lagway, stemming from the shoulder, hernia, and calf injuries. The reality with Lagway is simple: despite the injuries and inconsistencies in his game, his raw talent remains evident, and he’s worth developing.

Do not be surprised if a team with a lot of money and a quarterback who is out of eligibility tries to convince him to enter the portal.

RB Jadan Baugh

If you were to ask any Gators fan who the top priority is to retain, the majority of them will say it’s Jadan Baugh.

Not only did Baugh eclipse 1,000 yards this season, but he also dominated the Florida State Seminoles for a whopping 266 yards, which is the second-most in program history and the most for an underclassman.

His effort has been excellent, and the power and skill set are not only All-American caliber, but will immediately translate to Sundays at the next level. He is a program changer on many levels with his ability to thrive in different schemes. It could take a big NIL offer to keep him, but Baugh has proven he’s worth it.

WR Dallas Wilson

Last year’s recruiting class coup was Dallas Wilson. The Gators found a way to flip him from Oregon two weeks after early signing day. He burst onto the scene in the spring game, posting record-breaking stats of 10 receptions for 195 yards and two touchdowns.

It took him four games to get on the field, but he was the reason why the Gators beat the Texas Longhorns. Getting him healthy should be the priority. He played just four games and will still have four years of eligibility remaining. Being that he’s from Tampa Bay, the Gators could end up having the inside track to keep him when others come calling.

WR Vernell Brown III

Of the four players on this list, Vernell Brown III is the most likely to stay. He isn’t just a legacy, with his dad having played for the Gators, but his little brother, Corey Brown, signed as a priority walk-on this past week during the early signing period.

Brown emerged as one of the best true freshman wide receivers in the country, breaking out quickly for the Gators and leading them with 40 receptions and 512 yards. He is still looking for his first touchdown, but the explosiveness has been on full display from start to finish.

Even with multiple receivers coming into Gainesville, including four-star Davian Groce, Brown is primed to be a major part of Buster Faulkner’s offense.

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