Sophomore edge defender [autotag]TJ Searcy[/autotag] is the latest Florida Gator to announce his departure from the program and enter the transfer portal.
“After much prayer and great consideration, I have decided to enter the transfer portal,” Searcy said in a written statement posted to social media. “I’m excited for the next chapter of my journey and look forward to the opportunities ahead.”
Searcy played the third-most snaps (362) among Florida edge defenders this season, earning a 70.0 overall grade on defense from Pro Football Focus. He was Florida’s best edge defender in coverage (77.9), according to PFF.
A consensus four-star recruit out of high school, Searcy signed with Florida as a member of the class of 2023 and played in all 12 games as a true freshman. He earned Freshman All-SEC honors and ended his time in Gainesville with 60 total tackles (29 solo), 7.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
Florida’s options at EDGE in 2025
Searcy is the sixth edge defender from Florida to leave the program for the transfer portal, following [autotag]Justus Boone[/autotag], [autotag]Bryce Capers[/autotag] (walk-on), [autotag]Kelby Collins[/autotag], [autotag]Quincy Ivory[/autotag] and [autotag]Jack Pyburn[/autotag].
Those departures may indicate that veteran edge defenders George Gumbs Jr. and Tyreak Sapp intend to return, although neither has officially announced a decision. Behind those two are Kamran James and LJ McCray, and Florida is adding four-star recruit Jayden Woods to the position room.
The only scholarship loss from this group through graduation is specialist [autotag]Ja’Markis Weston[/autotag]. Walk-on [autotag]Tyreik Norwood[/autotag] also concluded his eligibility.
Walk-ons [autotag]Titus Bullard[/autotag], [autotag]Charles Emanuel III[/autotag] and [autotag]Layne Swafford[/autotag] could also return.
There’s also a chance Florida will be active in the edge defender market during the winter transfer period. Amaris Williams, a former five-star recruit and Florida commit, is leaving Auburn and is a priority target.
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