The Florida football 2026 roster remains a work in progress.
With the Florida Gators coming off a 4-8 season in 2025, changes are in store under first-year UF coach Jon Sumrall.
Already, more than 20 Florida players have announced their intentions to enter the transfer portal, including a host of starters: quarterback DJ Lagway, wide receiver Eugene Wilson III, tight end Hayden Hansen, safety Jordan Castell and defensive tackle Michai Boireau.
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The FBS transfer portal opened Friday, Jan. 2, and runs through Jan. 16, a window in which players can officially be in contact with other schools. Florida players who are in the portal can re-sign with UF during that time or choose to sign with other schools.
Florida will likely be in the market for at least one more quarterback, along with help to fill holes on the offensive and defensive lines, at punter and kicker and in the secondary.
Transfer players Florida football is eyeing or has added from the portal
Jacksonville State DE Emmanuel Oyebadejo
The 6-7, 295-pound Oyebadejo committed to Florida on Tuesday, Jan. 6, after visiting UF's campus from Jan. 3-4, according to Tyler Harden of 247Sports. A redshirt junior, Oyebadejo posted 6.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles for Jacksonville State in 2025. He provides insurance at the edge rush spot for UF if rising sophomore defensive end Jayden Woods, who remains in the portal, opts to sign elsewhere.
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Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College S Elijah Owens
The 6-foot-3, 210-pound Owens announced his commitment in a social media post on Wednesday, January 7. Owens began his college career at Alabama State and posted 65 tackles,1.5 tackles-for-loss, an interception and three pass break-ups for Mississippi Gulf Coast CC last season.
Kentucky S Cam Dooley
The 6-2, 208-pound Dooley committed to Florida on January 7 after visiting Florida on Jan. 4. A sophomore with two seasons of eligibility remaining, Dooley appeared in 12 games with three starts for the Wildcats in 2025, recording 20 tackles, 1 forced fumble and 1 interception. He's considered a Florida target based on his relationship with UK-turned-Florida defensive coordinator Brad White and UK-turned-Florida safeties coach Chris Collins.
Wake Forest WR Micah Mays Jr.
The 6-2, 196-pound Mays committed to Florida on Wednesday, January 7 after visiting Florida from Jan. 3-4. A former four-star recruit from The Benjiman School in North Palm Beach, Mays has recorded 34 catches for 520 yards and 4 TDs in two seasons with the Demon Deacons. A sophomore, Mays has two years of eligibility remaining.
Georgia Tech QB Aaron Philo
Philo officially signed with Florida on Jan. 6, the former Georgia Tech quarterback announced in a social media post. Reports of Philo's commitment surfaced shortly after his weekend visit from Jan, 3-4. He announced his intentions to enter the transfer portal on Dec. 17 and has a connection with new UF offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner, having played under Faulkner for two seasons with the Yellow Jackets. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound Philo has thrown for 938 yards with 2 TDs to 3 interceptions over two seasons while rushing for 95 yards and 1 TD as the backup to Haynes King.
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Penn State OL T.J. Shanahan Jr.
Shanahan announced his commitment to UF on social media after visiting Florida the weekend of Jan. 3-4. A redshirt sophomore with two years of eligibility remaining, the 6-4, 316-pound Shanahan began his career at Texas A&M before transferring to Penn State. An Orlando native, Shanahan was coached last season by former PSU and current Florida offensive line coach Phil Trautwein. He's the cousin of fomer UF and NFL offensive lineman Jon Halapio.
Penn State OT Eagan Boyer
Boyer committed to Florida on Jan. 6 after his official visit on Jan. 3-4, according to a report from Stadium and Gale. The 6-8, 300-pound Boyer appeared in eight games for the Nittany Lions in 2025, making one start. A redshirt freshman, Boyer has three years of eligibility remaining and has a connection with new UF offensive line coach Phil Trautwein, who coached at Penn State.
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Tulane K Patrick Durkin
Durkin committed to Florida on Jan. 6, joining former Tulane and new Florida special teams coach Johnathan Galante. An honorable mention All-American, Durkin connected on 27 of 32 field for the Green Wave last season, including four of 50 yards or more. He will replace Trey Smack as UF's starting kicker in 2026.
Tulane P Alec Clark
Clark committed to Florida on Jan. 6, joining former Tulane and new Florida special teams coach Johnathan Galante. An All-American Conference first team punter in 2025, Clark averaged 46.5-yards per punt, with 16 of his 48 punts downed inside the 20-yard line. The 6-1, 184-pound Clark has two years of eligibility remaining and projects to replace Tommy Doman as UF's starting punter next season.
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Cincinnati RB Evan Pryor
The 5-foot-9, 195-pound Pryor committed to Florida on Jan. 6, per multiple reports, after a visit to UF's campus on Jan. 5. Pryor, a redshirt junior, rushed for 522 yards on 6.9 yards per carry with 3 TDs for the Bearcats last season. He will provide a solid backup option to Jadan Baugh if Baugh opts to return for his junior season.
Baylor DB DJ Coleman
Coleman committed to Florida after his weekend visit from Jan. 3-4. A junior, the 6-1, 210-pound Coleman has posted 89 total tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, 9 pass breakups and 1 forced fumble in three seasons at Baylor.
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James Madison TE Lacota Dippre
Dippre committed to Florida after his weekend visit to UF's campus from Jan. 3-4. A redshirt sophomore with three years of eligibility remaining, the 6-4, 253-pound Dippre had 17 catches for 192 yards and 3 TDs with JMU in 2025. He'll compete with returning tight ends Tony Livingston and Amir Jackson for the starting job at UF.
Georgia Tech WR Bailey Stockton
The 5-11, 185-pound Stockton committed to Florida after a weekend visit on campus from Jan. 3-4. A sophomore with two years of eligibility remaining, Stockton posted 38 catches for 439 yards and 1 TD in his first two seasons.
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Baylor DT DK Kalu
The 6-4, 309-pound Kalu committed to Florida on Monday, Jan. 5, after a visit to UF's campus from Jan. 3-4. A redshirt freshman, Kalu has appeared in three games and made one career start in two seasons at Baylor, recording a tackle against Air Force.
Georgia Tech C Harrison Moore
Moore is expected to commit to Florida, according to a report from Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports. A sophomore, the 6-5, 300-pound Moore entered the transfer portal on Jan. 3 and is considered a Florida target based on his relationship with new UF offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner. Moore started eight games for the Yellow Jackets last season and hasn't allowed a sack in 866 career snaps.
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Kentucky S Cam Dooley
The 6-2, 208-pound Dooley entered the transfer portal on Jan. 4. A sophomore with two seasons of eligibility remaining, Dooley appeared in 12 games with three starts for the Wildcats in 2025, recording 20 tackles, 1 forced fumble and 1 interception. He's considered a Florida target based on his relationship with UK-turned-Florida defensive coordinator Brad White and UK-turned-Florida safeties coach Chris Collins.
Miami (Ohio) LB/DE Adam Trick
The 6-4, 242-pound Trick visited Florida on Jan. 4, per a report from 247Sports. Trick posted 25 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles and an interception for the Red Hawks in 2025.
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East Carolina RB London Montgomery
Montgomery is set to visit Florida on Wednesday, Jan. 7 according to a report from 247Sports.com's Tyler Harden. The 5-foot-11, 197-pound Montgomery rushed for 742 yards and 7 TDs on 156 carries for 2025.
Minnesota WR Malachi Coleman
Coleman is set to visit Florida on Wednesday, Jan. 7, according to a report from Tyler Harden of 247Sports. A redshirt sophomore with two years of eligibility remaining, the 6-5, 200-pound Coleman began his career at Nebraska in 2023 has posted 13 catches for 222 yards and 1 TD in two Big Ten seasons with the Cornhuskers and Golden Gophers.
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West Virginia WR Cam Vaughn
Vaughn plans to visit Florida, according to a report from Tyler Harden of 247Sports. A redshirt sophomore, the 6-2, 185-pound Vaughn had 35 catches for 541 yards and 4 TDs last season.
Florida football players who have announced their return to UF for 2026
Florida football RB Jadan Baugh
The 6-1, 231-pound Baugh announced his decision to return for his junior season on Tuesday, Jan. 6. Baugh ranked third in the SEC in rushing with 1,170 yards and a combined 10 TDs (8 rushing, 2 receiving) as a sophomore in 2025. He projects as a focal point of UF's offense in 2026 under new coach Jon Sumrall.
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Florida football QB Tramell Jones Jr.
Jones announced his intentions to return to UF in a social media post on Dec. 30. The 6-foot, 203-pound Jones appeared in two games for UF, completing 21 of 35 passes for 191 yards and 2 TDs. Jones will enter 2026 as a redshirt freshman with four years of eligibility remaining.
Florida football WR Dallas Wilson
Wilson announced his intentions to return in a social media post on Dec. 31, citing a "revenge season." In four games, the 6-2, 213-pound Wilson recorded 12 catches for 174 yards and 3 TDs in a season that was cut short due to a broken foot.
Florida football WR Vernell Brown III
Brown announced his intentions to return for his sophomore season in a social media post on Dec. 26. The 5-foot-11, 178-pound Brown appeared in 10 games with six starts as a true freshman in 2025, earning freshman All-SEC honors with a team-high 40 receptions for 512 yards. Brown also proved value on special teams, adding 261 yards on punt and kickoff returns with a punt return long of 40 yards.
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Florida football LB Myles Graham
Graham was one of the first UF players to announce his intentions to come back to Florida Victorious on Dec. 16. The 6-1, 228-pound Graham led UF in tackles (76) and tackles for loss (7) in 2025.
Florida football DB Cormani McClain
McClain announced his intentions to return to UF in a social media post on Dec. 31. A redshirt sophomore and former 5-star recruit from Lakeland who transferred in from Colorado, McClain has recorded two career interceptions at UF, including one returned for a TD.
Florida football EDGE LJ McCray
McCray announced his intentions to return to UF to Florida Victorious on Dec. 30. The 6-foot-6, 268-pound McCray, a former five-star recruit from Mainland High in Daytona Beach, appeared in just one game in 2025 before being sidelined with a broken foot. In 14 career games, McCray has recorded six quarterback hurries and half a sack. McCray will enter the 2026 season as a redshirt sophomore with three years of eligibility remaining.
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Florida football LB Aaron Chiles
Chiles announced his intentions to return to Florida in a social media post on Dec. 24. The 6-3, 244-pound Chiles appeared in 25 games over two seasons with 3.5 career tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. A sophomore and former Under Armour All-American, Chiles has two years of eligibility remaining.
Florida football DB Dijon Johnson
Johnson announced his decision to return to UF in a social media post on Dec. 24. The 6-1, 204-pound Johnson has made nine career starts over three seasons with three career pass breakups and one interception. A redshirt sophomore, Johnson has two years of eligibility remaining.
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Florida football EDGE Kam James
James announced his decision to return to UF in a social media post on Dec. 30. A junior with one year of eligibility remaining, the 6-6, 270-pound James has posted 7.5 career tackles for loss and 4.5 career sacks.
Florida football S Bryce Thornton
Thornton announced his intentions to return in a social media post on Dec. 31. A junior, the 5-10, 213-pound Thornton has started 22 games over three seasons, recording four career interceptions and a fumble recovery returned for a TD.
Florida football LB Jaden Robinson
Robinson announced his intentions to return to UF in a social media post on Jan. 1. A junior from Lake City, the 6-0, 226-pound Robinson has started 17 games over three seasons, recording 7.5 career tackles for loss and 5.5 career sacks.
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Florida football OL Knijeah Harris
Harris has re-singed with Florida, according to a report from On3's Pete Nakos. A junior, the 6-3, 313-pound Harris has started UF's last 25 games at left guard. In 2025, Harris posted Pro Football Focus (PFF) pass blocking grade of 74.2 in 25 starts.
Florida football OL Roderick Kearney
Kearney announced his decision to return in a social media post on Dec. 26. A former Under Armour All-American, the 6-4, 310-pound Kearney appeared in seven games on offense and special teams last season. A redshirt sophomore, Kearney has two years of eligibility remaining and will have an opportunity to compete for the starting job at right guard vacated due to the departure of three-year starter Damieon George Jr.
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Florida football WR TJ Abrams
Abrams announced his decision to return to Florida in a social media post on Dec. 18. A redshirt freshman from Fort Myers, the 5-foot-10, 196-pound Abrams appeared in 10 games with one start in 2025, catching 13 passes for 201 yards.
Florida football DT Joseph Mbatchou
Mbatchou signed an NIL deal to return to Florida on Dec. 24. As a true freshman last season, the 6-5, 300-pound Mbatchou appeared in eight games, making 11 tackles, including one tackle for loss.
Florida football OT Caden Jones
Jones signed an NIL deal to return to Florida on Dec. 31. The 6-8, 333-pound Jones started 10 games at right tackle for the Gators in 2025.
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Florida football players who have entered the transfer portal
Florida football DB Aaron Gates
In three seasons, Gates appeared in 18 games and recorded 34 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 4 pass deflections, 3 fumble recoveries and an interception. The redshirt sophomore had a promising 2024 season but suffered a season-ending shoulder injury against Miami this year. Gates committed to Kentucky on Jan. 6.
Florida football EDGE Jayden Woods
Jayden Woods, the true freshman edge rusher who earned All-Freshman SEC honors, plans to enter the portal, according to a report by On3sports. The 6-3, 248-pounder appeared in all 12 games for Florida this season, which featured him totaling 28 tackles, five tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and one interception. Woods, who has three years of eligibility remaining, was the first Gator true freshman to lead or co-lead in sacks since 1992.
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Florida football DB Sharif Denson
The 5-foot-11, 195-pound Denson announced his intentions to enter the transfer portal in a social media post on Dec. 26. A former Under Armour All-American from Bartram Trail High in Jacksonville, Denson made 17 starts in 36 games over three seasons at UF, recording 97 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks and 1 interception. A junior, Denson has one year of eligibility remaining. Denson committed to Ole Miss on Sunday, Jan. 4.
Florida football WR Eugene Wilson III
The 5-10, 194-pound Wilson announced his intentions to enter the portal in a social media post on Dec. 24. Wilson finished his UF career with 107 catches for 1,043 yards and 10 TDs. A redshirt sophomore, Wilson committed to LSU on Wednesday, January 7.
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Florida football WR Naeshaun Montgomery
The 6-1, 189-pound Montgomery plans to enter the portal, according to a report from On3s Pete Nakos. A former Under Armour All-American, Montgomery appeared in four games for UF, making three catches for 26 yards. Montgomery preserved his redshirt by appearing in just four games and has four years of eligibility remaining.
Florida football DT Michai Boireau
The 6-5, 349-pound Boireau announced his intentions to enter the portal in a social media post on Dec. 18. Boireau appeared in 21 games with nine starts for UF over two seasons, recording 35 tackles, 2 sacks and a game-winning interception against Mississippi State.
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A sophomore, Boireau has two years of eligibility remaining. Boireau committed to Ole Miss on Jan. 5.
Florida football TE Hayden Hansen
The 6-8, 269-pound Hansen announced his intentions to enter the transfer portal in a social media post on Dec. 18,
Hansen made 34 starts over the last three seasons at UF, recording 57 catches for 611 yards and 5 TDs. This past season, Hansen had 30 catches for 254 yards and 2 TDs. A redshirt junior, Hansen has one year of eligibility left. Hansen committed Oklahoma on Sunday, Jan. 4.
Florida football LB Grayson 'Pup' Howard
The 6-4, 236-pound Howard announced his intentions to transfer in a social media post on Dec. 17. Howard appeared in 12 games over two seasons for UF, totaling 41 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 fumble recoveries and 1 fumble recovery. He started nine games in 2024 but appeared in just three games in 2025 due to an ankle injury. A redshirt junior, Howard has just one year of eligibility remaining. Howard committed to USF on Jan. 5.
Florida football WR Tank Hawkins
The 5-10, 178-pound Hawkins announced he's entering the transfer portal in a social media post on Dec. 17.
Hawkins appeared in 11 games over two seasons for UF, recording 12 catches for 116 yards and 1 TD. He opted out of UF's final four games of the 2025 season to preserve his redshirt and as a redshirt freshman has three years of eligibility remaining.
Florida football WR Aidan Mizell
Florida redshirt sophomore wide receiver Aidan Mizell announced his intentions to enter the portal in a social media post on Dec. 16.
The 6-2, 185-pound Mizell, from Boone High in Orlando, appeared in 21 games over three seasons with three starts, finishing with 36 catches for 379 yards and 3 TDs. He has two years of eligibility remaining. Mizell announced on Jan. 7 that he's committed to UCLA.
Florida football QB DJ Lagway
Lagway announced his intentions to transfer on Dec. 15 in a social media post. A 2023 Gatorade High School player of the year from Willis High School in Willis, Texas, the 6-3, 247-pound Lagway went 10-9 as a starter for Florida and passed for 4,179 yards over two seasons with 28 TDs to 23 interceptions. Lagway also rushed for 237 yards and 1 TD for UF in two seasons.
A sophomore, Lagway has two seasons of eligibility remaining. Per CBS Sports's Matt Zenitz, Lagway is expected to visit Baylor, Missouri, Louisville and Virginia.
Florida football S Jordan Castell
Castell announced his intentions to enter the portal in a social media post on Dec. 15. A three-year starter at safety for UF, the 6-2, 213-pound Castell recorded 168 career tackles, 12 pass breakups, 3 interceptions and 1 sack. Castell committed to Kentucky on Wednesday, Jan. 7.
Florida football RB KD Daniels
Daniels announced his intentions to transfer in a social media post on Dec. 15. A redshirt freshman, the 6-0, 203-pound Daniels rushed for 185 yards on 39 carries with 2 TDs over two seasons at UF. Daniels committed to Wake Forest on Jan. 5.
A former 5A Mississippi Mr. Football from West Point, Mississippi, Daniels has three years of eligibility remaining.
Florida football WR Muizz Tounkara
Tounkara announced his intentions to enter the transfer portal shortly after UF's season ended on Nov. 29. As a 6-3, 208-pound true freshman receiver from League City, Texas, Tounkara appeared in eight games for UF in 2025, finishing the year with two catches for 12 yards.
Florida football TE Amir Jackson
Florida football tight end Amir Jackson announced his intentions to enter the transfer portal, according to a social media post. A redshirt freshman, the 6-5, 235-pound Jackson appeared in 12 games for UF in 2025, finishing with three catches for 29 yards and a TD. He has three years of eligibility left. According to reports, Jackson was expected to re-sign with UF once the portal opens.
Florida football DL Tarvorise Brown
A JUCO transfer, Brown announced his intentions to enter the transfer portal on Dec. 10. The 6-7, 296-pound Brown provided depth on UF's defensive line over the last two seasons, appearing in six games. Brown committed to North Carolina on Monday, Jan. 5.
Florida football WR Mike Peterson Jr.
A freshman walk-on and son of UF edge rushers coach Mike Peterson, the 6-1, 164-pound Peterson didn't appear in any games this season. A three-star recruit, Peterson had 24 catches for 258 yards and 4 TDs at Fort White High during his senior season in 2024.
Florida football S Josiah Davis
Florida football redshirt freshman safety Josiah Davis announced his intentions to enter the portal in a social media post on Monday, Dec. 15.
The 6-0, 200-pound Davis appeared in five games over two seasons on defense and special teams for UF. He has three years of eligibility remaining.
Florida football DB Teddy Foster
The 6-1, 188-pound Foster announced his intentions to transfer in a social media post on Tuesday, Dec. 16. Foster appeared in 11 games on defense and special teams over two seasons at Florida, recording five tackles.
A redshirt freshman, Foster has three years of eligibility remaining. Foster committed to USF on Jan. 5.
Florida football OL Marcus Mascoll
The 6-5, 308-pound Mascoll announced his intentions to transfer in a social media post on Wednesday, Dec. 17. Mascoll did not appear in any games over two seasons at Florida. A four-star recruit from Snellville, Ga., Mascoll has three years of eligibility remaining following his redshirt freshman season.
Florida football CB Jamroc Grimlsey
The 6-2, 198-pound Grimsley announced his intentions to enter the portal in a social media post on Wednesday, Dec. 17.
Grimsley appeared in five games over two seasons, making one start and recording one tackle. A redshirt freshman, Grimsley has three years of eligibility remaining.
Florida football WR Jackson Wade
The 5-11, 185-pound Wade, a walk-on and special teams contributor, announced his decision to enter the portal in a social media post on Monday, Dec. 22. Wade appeared in 16 games over two seasons for UF, making one catch for 10 yards. A redshirt sophomore, Wade has two years of eligibility remaining. Wade announced on Jan. 5 he's committed to Boston College.
Florida football OL Noel Portnjagin
The 6-foot-5, 306-pound Portnjagin, from Karlsruhe, Germany, announced his intentions to enter the transfer portal in a social media post on Tuesday, Dec. 23. A redshirt freshman, Portnjagin appeared in one game in two seasons at UF, playing five snaps in the 2024 Gasparilla Bowl against Tulane. Portnjagin has four years of eligibility remaining.
Florida football K Evan Noel
Noel announced his intentions to enter the transfer portal in a social media post on Dec. 31. Coming out of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, with a five-star kicking rating, Noel spent his freshman season in 2025 backing up Trey Smack and did not appear in any games for UF in 2025.
Florida football RB Treyaun Webb
Webb announced his decision to enter the transfer portal in a social media post on Dec. 31. The 5-11, 217-pound Webb has missed most of the last two seasons with a hamstring injury. In 15 career games at UF, Webb rushed for 256 yards on 47 carries with 3 TDs.
Florida football OL Enoch Wagnoy
A former top 50 offensive tackle recruit, the 6-7, 333-pound Wagnoy didn't appear in a game in two seasons at UF. A redshirt freshman, Wagnoy has three years of eligibility remaining. Wagnoy committed to James Madison on Jan. 6, where he will be reunited with former UF coach Billy Napier.
Florida football RB Ja'Kobi Jackson
Jackson announced he's entering the portal after receiving a waiver to play for the 2026 season. In two seasons at UF, Jackson rushed for 618 yards and 7 TDs. He was limited to just four games in 2025 due to injury, rushing for 98 yards on 27 carries.
Florida football P Hayden Craig
Craig has entered the portal, according to a report from 247Sports. As a true freshman last season, Craig backed up Florida starting punter Tommy Doman. A five-star punter per Kohls kicking camp, the 6-1, 208-pound Craig has four years of eligibility remaining.
Florida football LS Mack Mulhern
Mulhern has entered the portal, according to a report from 247Sports. As a true freshman last season, the 6-1, 225-pound Mulhern backed up starting long snapper Rocco Underwood. Rated the No. 2 long snapper in the country as a high school senior by Kohls kicking camp, Mulhern has four years of eligibility remaining.
Kevin Brockway is The Gainesville Sun’s Florida beat writer. Contact him at kbrockway@gannett.com. Follow him on X @KevinBrockwayG1. Read his coverage of the Gators’ national championship basketball season in “CHOMP-IONS!” — a hardcover coffee-table collector’s book from The Sun. Details at Florida.ChampsBook.com
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Tracking Florida football transfers as Jon Sumrall puts together 2026 roster

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