Florida sophomore cornerback [autotag]Ja’Keem Jackson[/autotag] is entering the transfer portal, according to On3’s Hayes Fawcett.
Jackson spent most of the 2024 season sidelined with injury; however, he played more than 100 snaps (86 on defense) over Florida’s first two games. As a freshman, Jackson played in 11 games, seeing the field for 231 snaps (113 on defense).
Pro Football Focus gave Jackson a defensive grade of 55.4 in 2023 and 57.8 this past season. He was considered Florida’s third cornerback and the primary backup to both Jason Marshall Jr. and Devin Moore, both of whom went down with injuries this year.
Jackson made his first career start in Week 1 against Miami. He was able to redshirt this year and will have three years of eligibility remaining.
Jackson was a four-star recruit ranked inside the top 100 of the class of 2023. 247Sports had him at No. 55 nationally and No. 7 among cornerbacks in his class, while On3 listed him at Nos. 55 and 6, respectively.
Of the now seven Gators who have announced an intent to transfer — safety Ahman Covington, edge defenders Justus Boone, Bryce Capers (walk-on) and Quincy Ivory (JUCO transfer, 2023) and wide receiver Andy Jean — Jackson’s departure is the most significant from a depth standpoint. He likely would have competed for a starting spot next season.
Florida figures to be a big player in the transfer portal this offseason, and a starting cornerback should be on the wishlist with this latest development.
Florida’s Options at Cornerback in 2025
Florida is losing its top corner Jason Marshall Jr. — a potential first-round draft pick before his season-ending injury — and a versatile safety turned corner in Trikweze Bridges. Following several injuries to the secondary, Bridges swapped positions and helped hold the unit together.
Junior Devin Moore should return for another year as a starter, but he’s dealt with injuries through each of his three collegiate seasons. Sophomore Dijon Johnson could play opposite Moore after playing nearly 500 snaps this season, the most of any Florida cornerback.
Sharif Denson could transition to cornerback as well after seeing more than 450 snaps this season, primarily in the STAR role. Former No. 1 overall recruit Cormani McClain, who transferred from Colorado and played as a walk-on at Florida this year, could also move up the depth chart.
Freshmen Jameer Grimsley, a spring transfer from Alabama, and Teddy Foster also got some experience while preserving redshirts.
Alfonzo Allen, a Baylor transfer, played 19 snaps at cornerback, and Josiah Davis got 11, according. Both were considered safeties when joining the program.
Florida is bringing in a top-100 recruit at cornerback in Ben Hanks Jr., but he is the only new addition to the position room barring some movement in the transfer portal.
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