Incoming Florida freshman is walking into a massive role sooner than expected

Florida Football Hosts Press Conference Introducing New Head Coach Jon Sumrall | James Gilbert/GettyImagesThe news of Jayden Woods hitting the transfer portal is a significant blow to the Florida Gators ahead of the 2026 season. Woods was coming off a solid freshman campaign and could have been the anchor for an EDGE unit that could have been in the top half in the SEC next year.

But as they say, when one door closes, another door opens, and the departure of Woods just means an incoming freshman at EDGE will need to step up sooner rather than later.

KJ Ford now becomes a key player for the Gators in 2026

If you rewind to this past summer, the saga to try and land a top-rated EDGE for the class…