For the second straight day, the Florida Gators have lost a wide receiver to the transfer portal.
On Wednesday, reports of Caleb Douglas’ pending departure made the rounds, and now [autotag]Thai Chiaokhiao-Bowman[/autotag] has announced his intentions to enter the portal, which opens Dec. 4 and closes Jan. 2.
“I am eternally grateful to God for the blessings that have been bestowed upon me,” Bowman said. “I’m thankful to Coach KC and Coach Napier for giving me the opportunity to play at the University of Florida. … With sincere gratitude, I announce that I will be entering my name in the transfer portal with 3 years of eligibility remaining.”
— Kham Thai Chiaokhiao-Bowman (@ThaiBow4909) November 30, 2023
Bowman played in 12 games as a freshman in 2022, finishing the year with seven catches and 138 yards. He also contributed on special teams, recording three tackles. His role was far more limited in 2023, partially due to injury. Bowman appeared in the final two games of the season, allowing him to redshirt and retain a year of eligibility.
Florida is losing at least three receivers this offseason. In addition to Bowman and Douglas, Ricky Pearsall will head to the pros and enter his name into the NFL draft pool. That leaves a returning corps of Marcus Burke, Ja’Quavion Fraziars and a trio of freshmen led by Eugene “Tre”Wilson III.
There’s certainly talent to work with, but a Pearsall-esque transfer acquisition is certainly on Billy Napier’s Christmas list after all these departures.
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