Two Florida Gators that have entered the transfer portal are among the 10 best available, according to ESPN’s latest rankings update.
The transfer portal has turned into college football’s version of free agency, with high-profile players hitting the open market. Name, image and likeness deals play a big part in many decisions, but at the end of the day it’s all about talent.
ESPN says that Florida is losing to extremely talented players, especially compared to the rest of the crop. Edge rusher [autotag]Princely Umanmielen[/autotag] is ranked No. 7 overall by the industry leader, and running back [autotag]Trevor Etienne[/autotag] checks in at No. 9 on the list. Both are the first players mentioned at their respective positions.
“Umanmielen played in all 13 games during the 2022 season and had 39 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks,” staff writer Tom VanHaaren wrote.
“This season, he led the team this season in tackles for loss with 11.5, and also led the team in sacks with seven. He was mentioned as a possible selection in the upcoming NFL draft if he were to declare, but made a surprising decision to enter the transfer portal with a year of eligibility. He has been productive within the SEC and has the size and experience to make a big impact on a new team.”
Players in the transfer portal don’t have to leave the team, though. Umanmielen has publicly stated that he would consider staying based on the new defensive line coach hire, but he’s still expected to transfer out at this point.
Etienne is a different story. There’s little hope for a return there, and he could end up at Georgia. Talk about rubbing salt in the wound.
The Gators are mentioned among a long list of suitors for Penn defensive tackle Joey Slackman, who checks in at No. 8 between the two Gators mentioned above.
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