Let’s face it, the free agency buzz in college football never really fades away. However, it does peak during spring and winter seasons.
While some programs in the state have bulked up their lineups, others have shown minimal growth.
The NCAA’s 10-day spring transfer portal window closed on April 25, allowing players to enter and explore new opportunities. This period saw significant changes, both new arrivals and departures, across Florida.
And the action continues! Remember, that 10-day window was just for players to enter the portal; teams can still sign newcomers afterwards. Here’s a look at how Florida’s five major programs have navigated spring free agency. Some teams have bolstered their rosters, while others have seen a talent drain.
In fact, several teams have experienced both challenges at once.
Florida
Departures: LS Gannon Burt (North Carolina), DL D’antre Robinson (North Carolina), S Gregory Smith (North Carolina)
New Additions: DL Brendan Bett (Baylor)
After the Gators’ spring game on April 12, Napier mentioned that the staff had arrangements with 98% of the players. This not only highlights the business side of college football but also indicates roster stability. The major changes included Robinson leaving, with Bett stepping in, recruited by co-defensive coordinator Ron Roberts from his Baylor days.
FSU
Departures: WR Jalen Brown (Arkansas), OL Jaylen Early (Missouri), OL TJ Ferguson (Syracuse), EDGE Aaron Hester (Liberty), LB Timir Hickman-Collins (still in portal), DL D’Nas White (still in portal), WR Hykeem Williams (Colorado)
New Faces: WR Gavin Blackwell (North Carolina), S Jarvis Boatwright (USC), QB Trever Jackson (Arkansas), QB Jaylen King (ETSU), OL Jaelyne Matthews (Rutgers), OT Joshua Raymond (Vanderbilt), RB Gavin Sawchuk (Oklahoma), CB Jeremiah Wilson (Houston)
FSU is actively enhancing its offensive line, which had the most starting lineups last year. The commitment of Matthews (a former four-star recruit) and Raymond (an Under Armour All-American) highlights this focus. Sawchuk is also a promising addition, having rushed for 744 yards and nine TDs at Oklahoma last season. Departures like Brown and Williams weren’t shocking after FSU focused on recruiting and signing wide receivers during the winter period.
Miami
Departures: DL Joshua Horton (Georgia), CB Emmanuel Karnley (Virginia), K Abram Murray (Cal), S Zaquan Patterson (still in portal), EDGE Elias Rudolph (still in portal), S Isaiah Thomas (Kennesaw State)
New Signings: K Bert Auburn (Texas), LB Kamal Bonner (N.C. State), RB CharMar Brown (North Dakota St.), WR Tony Johnson (Cincinnati), WR Keelan Marion (BYU), S Jakobe Thomas (Tennessee)
*Though Miami hasn’t confirmed these new signings, the players have largely announced their commitments.
The Hurricanes have managed to keep their standout players while bringing in exciting new talent to support new QB Carson Beck. Marion had impressive numbers at BYU with 45 touches for 442 yards and two touchdown returns. Brown was distinguished with the Jerry Rice Award for his excellent performance as a freshman. Defensively, Bonner made seven tackles for loss at N.C. State last season. Though Auburn struggled at Texas, he has converted over 66 of 86 field goals throughout his career.
UCF
Departures: LB Qua Birdsong (still in portal), TE Elijah Brown (Kentucky), DL Marcus Downs (Georgia Southern), CB Tre’quon Fegans (Jacksonville State), OL Waltclaire Flynn (Georgia), LB Andrew Harris (Arkansas), S Cedrick Hawkins (USF), S Brandon Jacob (UTSA), CB Chasen Johnson (USC), LB Quinten Johnson (still in portal), OT Jakiah Leftwich (still in portal), LB DJ McCormick (USF), QB Dylan Rizk (Stanford), WR Kason Stokes (Middle Tennessee)
New Players: QB Davi Belfort (Virginia Tech), WR Chris Domercant (Chattanooga), TE Max Drag (Appalachian State), EDGE Aymeric Koumba (Michigan), DL Jeffson Lafontant (Bethune-Cookman), CB Jayden McDonald (Virginia Tech), OL Connor Meadows (Tennessee State), K Noe Ruelas (James Madison), OL Owen Spell (Limestone), DB Jayden Williams (FAU)
Reflecting a program that has had consecutive disappointing seasons and a coaching change, UCF’s team underwent significant changes this spring. Unlike the previous era, Scott Frost won’t face pressure to secure a national title by Year 2. Keep an eye on newcomers like Belfort, who has emulated the playing style of Knights legend McKenzie Milton while transferring schools.
USF
Departures: CB Brent “Paco” Austin (Cal), CB Camren Campbell (still in portal), DL Bernard Gooden (LSU), WR Naiem Simmons (still in portal)
Incoming Players: LB Chavez Brown (North Texas), EDGE Dennard Flowers (Murray State), RB Sam Franklin (Oklahoma), CB Izaiah Guy (Georgia State), DB Cedrick Hawkins (UCF), DL Devin Lee (Vanderbilt), DL LB DJ McCormick (UCF), DL Traevon Mitchell (West Florida), LB Rocco Nicholl (Kent State), WR Mudia Reuben (Stanford)
The loss of Austin (hailing from California) diminishes a promising USF secondary, which lacks depth. Gooden was a standout last season, recording ten tackles for loss. However, USF has brought in Hawkins, a four-star talent from Ohio State. Franklin, who had a solid season last fall, and Mitchell, who had an impressive year at a small school with 46 tackles and 7.5 sacks, will add to the depth.
Conclusion
With the spring transfer window now closed, the landscape of college football in Florida continues to shift. Teams are enhancing their rosters, making strategic additions, and preparing for the upcoming season. Keep an eye on these developments as they unfold!
FAQs
What is the spring transfer portal?
The spring transfer portal allows college football players to officially register their intentions to transfer, enabling them to explore new opportunities within a specified timeframe.
Why do players transfer?
Players may transfer for various reasons, including seeking more playing time, better fit with a program, coaching changes, or personal circumstances.
How does free agency impact college football?
Free agency provides teams the chance to restructure and improve their rosters, which can significantly influence the competitive landscape and performance in the coming seasons.
