Transfer Portal Window Closes as Gators Look to Rebuild Roster

One chaotic side of college sports will be taking a brief hiatus.

The winter NCAA transfer portal window closed on Wednesday since opening on Dec. 5. Wednesday was the final day for athletes to enter their name in the portal. The next transfer portal period will begin on May 1 and run through May 15.

Portal Pandemonium for Florida

As Billy Napier looks to build a sustainable program in Gainesville, his second roster at Florida will look nothing like the one from his first season. The Gators lost 24 scholarship players to transfer this season, including nine with starting experience. Offensive linemen Michael Tarquin (USC), Joshua Braun (Arkansas) and Ethan White will play at new schools, next season.

Additionally, defensive backs Donovan McMillan (Pitt), Tre’Vez Johnson (Missouri) and Avery Helm (TCU) were expected to contribute heavily in 2023. However, they will contribute at other programs next season.

Overall, 21 of the 24 transfers have announced their destinations. White, wide receiver Daejon Reynolds and defensive lineman Chris Thomas Jr. are the only former Gators to not announce their portal destination.

Napier and his staff did look to the portal to fill holes left by outgoing transfers and misses on the recruiting trail. On Dec. 11, Louisville defensive lineman Caleb Banks became the first to announce his commitment to Florida.

After losing Anthony Richardson to the NFL, the Gators turned to the transfer portal for depth and competition at the quarterback position. In stepped former Wisconsin starter Graham Mertz, who will likely be the starter for the 2023 season after Jaden Rashada’s request to be released from his letter of intent. 

Be like Graham.

Welcome to Gator Nation, @GrahamMertz5!#GoGators | #D23AMTEAM pic.twitter.com/4JLfsrgpbz

— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) December 28, 2022

The Gators lost another major contributor to the NFL in All-American offensive lineman O’Cyrus Torrence. Florida brought in Baylor transfer Micah Mazzccua, who was PFF’s No. 2-ranked guard behind Torrence.

With Richard Gouraige’s graduation and Tarquin’s transfer, Florida welcomed Alabama transfer tackle Dameion George Jr.

Rounding out the Gators’ current portal additions are linebackers Deuce Spurlock (from Michigan) and Teradja Mitchell (from Ohio State) and defensive lineman Cam’Ron Jackson (from Memphis).

On3 ranks Florida as the No. 61 team in team portal rankings due to the amount of departures. Meanwhile, 247 Sports ranks Florida at No. 27 due to the talent brought in through the portal.

The “New” Transfer Portal Explained

This past season, the NCAA announced new rules in regards to one-time transfers, coaches’ firings and timings of transfers.

On Aug. 31, the NCAA introduced two windows for players to enter the portal and prevent random transfers. Players can only enter the portal between May 1 through May 15. Those who didn’t cannot enter their names again until the Dec. 5 window, which ends on Jan. 18. Once a player’s name is in the portal, they are free to transfer at any time. The only exception to the rule is if a head coach is fired. Then, the player has 30 days to enter their name in the portal.

Less than a week ago, the NCAA announced another rule, which stated that undergraduate players who enter their name into the portal a second time must meet specific criteria to gain immediate eligibility. The only exceptions to this rule are if a player transfers due to a mental or physical health issue. Additionally, the NCAA will consider “exigent circumstances” that caused an athlete to transfer.