GAINESVILLE — A new year arrives as Florida coach Jon Sumrall’s 2026 Gators begin to take shape.
The transfer portal will open Friday to set off a two-week frenzy of player movement when the highest bidder often prevails, loyalties are cast aside and claims of brotherhood made last fall become empty words.
A 4-8 finish hasn’t prevented players from demanding more NIL money or leveraging the threat of transferring into a better deal. Those critical to Sumrall’s rebuild, led by 1,000-yard rusher Jadan Baugh, promising edge rusher Jayden Woods and fellow 2025 true freshman receiver Dallas Wilson, are deep in negotiations as a decision deadline looms.