As the winter transfer portal period approaches, Florida football is zeroing in on key positions to bolster their roster, with the wide receiver slot on top of that list.
Given the upcoming departures of senior receivers Elijhah Badger and Chimere Dike, two of quarterback DJ Lagway’s main targets this past season, the Gators are looking to fill that position.
Chase Sowell, a standout wide receiver from East Carolina University, has caught the attention of the Gators’ coaching staff and is set to visit the University of Florida officially on Dec. 21, according to Mike Roach of 247Sports.
Sowell, who has notable family ties to the university—both of his parents are alumni—was born in Gainesville, adding a personal layer to the recruitment narrative. His father, Ronnie, played baseball for the Gators, while his mother, Keisha, was a soccer player, embedding a legacy of athletic prowess within the family.
This season, Sowell has been a significant force on the field. After transferring to East Carolina, he showed a marked improvement in his performance.
In the 2023 season, Sowell racked up 47 receptions for 622 yards and a touchdown, followed by a 2024 campaign where he snagged 34 passes for 678 yards and three touchdowns.
According to 247Sports, Sowell was initially rated as a three-star recruit from Atascocita High School in Humble, Texas, securing the 149th spot among wide receivers nationally. Upon entering the transfer portal, his ranking improved, with 247Sports assigning him a four-star status.
Sowell is now considered the 31st overall transfer prospect and the 11th best among transferring wide receivers.
Sowell has reported offers from Arizona State, Baylor, Florida, Houston, Illinois, Iowa State, Oklahoma State, SMU, TCU, Virginia Tech and Wisconsin since announcing his plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal.
The winter portal opened on Monday, Dec. 9, and will end on Saturday, Dec. 28.
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