College football keeps shifting. Transfers matter more than ever, and the Florida Gators sit right in the middle of it all. New head coach Jon Sumrall is figuring things out in a landscape that barely resembles what he knew as a player.
Players like Jadan Baugh and DJ Lagway are weighing their options. Money plays a role, and the Gators are living through the messiness of modern college football firsthand.
The Changing Landscape of College Football Transfers
Back in the early 2000s, Jon Sumrall was a redshirt freshman linebacker at Kentucky. He remembers the sting of getting left off the travel roster for a game against Florida. There was no transfer portal then—he just had to stick it out and take his dad’s advice.
Now, in 2026, Sumrall leads the Gators in a world where transferring is not just easier—it’s often more profitable for players. Things have changed fast.
Sumrall’s Personal Experience
Sumrall’s path from frustrated teenager to head coach gives him a unique perspective. He still thinks about his dad telling him to “quit whining and get better.”
That push to improve landed him back on the roster. These days, he tries to pass that same lesson on to his own players, though the world’s changed quite a bit since then.
The Financial Implications of Transfers
Money now shapes college football in ways that were hard to imagine years ago. Players like Jadan Baugh, who put up 1,170 rushing yards in 2025, can name their price if a big program wants them.
Texas is reportedly making a run at Baugh, dangling big incentives. It’s not just about football anymore; it’s about business, too.
High-Profile Transfers
Quarterback DJ Lagway recently said he’s transferring. He pointed to financial reasons and the arrival of another transfer QB as factors.
Sumrall gets it. “Some guys make decisions purely based upon dollars,” he admits. That’s just the reality now, whether anyone likes it or not.
Challenges for Coaches and Programs
For coaches like Sumrall, the transfer portal is a double-edged sword. Sure, you can reload the roster fast, but it’s tough to keep a team steady.
He’s seen it before. At Tulane, star quarterback Darian Mensah left for Duke, chasing a bigger payday. Tulane struggled after he left, losing 33-8 to Florida in the 2024 Gasparilla Bowl.
Building a Cohesive Team
Sumrall tries to help players see the upside of sticking around. He’s still close with Mensah, who left Tulane for a much higher salary at Duke.
He respects each player’s choice, but he’s always working to build a team that sticks together. “Everybody has to go through their own process,” he says, and he means it.
The Future of the Florida Gators
Sumrall heads into 2026 with a lot on his plate. Keeping star players and blending in new faces won’t be easy.
More than 10 players from the 2025 Gators have already said they’re transferring. It’s a lot to juggle for any coach.
Key Players to Watch
Receivers Vernell Brown III and Dallas Wilson—two of the best true freshmen in the country last year—might be on the move. Their choices could reshape the Gators’ offense in a hurry.
And then there’s Jadan Baugh. He’s a 1,000-yard rusher whose monster 266-yard game against Florida State turned heads. Keeping him in Gainesville could make all the difference.
Conclusion: Navigating the New Normal
College football keeps shifting, and coaches like Jon Sumrall have to stay on their toes. The transfer portal? It brings plenty of chances, but yeah, it’s a headache sometimes too.
Sumrall’s got a mix of personal experience and a pretty down-to-earth attitude. That combo might be just what the Florida Gators need as things keep changing.
If you’re curious about all the latest twists, check out the full article on the Orlando Sentinel.
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