Florida Gators have several talented players that Notre Dame football should keep a close eye on if they opt for the Transfer Portal 

There are several Florida Gators players that Notre Dame should have interest in.

Ryan Roberts — National College Football Writer
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Florida Gators edge Jalen Wiggins (49) runs during fall football practice at Heavener Football Complex at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]

The Florida Gators made headlines over the weekend when they opted to part ways with head coach Billy Napier. Whenever a coach is fired, there is also going to be some turnover on the college level. This situation will be no different, both on the roster currently, as well as on the recruiting trail. Don’t be shocked to see several Gators to enter the Transfer Portal in the future.

There is no telling which players will choose that route, but if certain players do, head coach Marcus Freeman and the Notre Dame program should have real interest. Here are some players that Fighting Irish fans should keep a close eye on if they do choose to enter. Those potential fits come at a couple of high positions of need.

TE Hayden Hansen (RS Jr.) 

While he isn’t a dynamic athlete, Hansen still moves extremely well for a tight end at 6-7 and 269 pounds. He’s a big body who has experience playing both inline and detached, having made 49 receptions for 555 yards and four touchdowns. There’s no guarantee that Hansen comes in and becomes a star, but he would at least be a very valuable player in the right end room. You can’t text experience, and Hansen has a lot of it. 

EDGE Jalen Wiggins (Fr.) 

If Wiggins’ name sounds familiar, it’s because Notre Dame was very high on him in the 2025 recruiting class. There was some real interest from the Florida native, who brings an impressive frame at 6-4 and 268 pounds. He hasn’t recorded a statistic yet this season, and it looks likely that Wiggins is going to redshirt this season. With four years of eligibly remaining, Wiggins is a valuable commodity to develop. 

EDGE Jayden Woods (Fr.)

The Fighting Irish also recruited Woods, although their interest wasn’t quite as high as it was with Wiggins. Woods is more of a speed rusher at 6-3 and 248 pounds, but he has had a lot of nice flashes so far this season in limited opportunities. The Kansas native has recorded 15 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and three more quarterback hurries. Notre Dame can never have enough talented pass rushers, and Woods has upside to work with. 

WR Dallas Wilson (Fr.) 

Wilson was a former Top-50 overall player who has flashed when he has been healthy for the Gators. In three games that he has played, Wilson has managed to haul in 11 passes for 167 yards and three touchdowns. The 6-3, 213-pound pass catcher is a freak athlete who can make a lot of plays on the outside. The demand for Wilson is going to be high so he is an unlikely target, but you never know if you don’t try. 

WR Vernell Brown (Fr.) 

Similarly to Wilson, Brown is an extremely talented young wide receiver. At 5-11 and 178 pounds he is a much different player, but Brown is still lightning in a bottle. So far this season, Brown has managed to haul in 32 receptions for 451 yards while also serving as the team’s top punt returner. Brown is even less likely of an option for Notre Dame, but it doesn’t hurt to make a phone call. The worst he could say is no.

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