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Jayden Woods Withdraws From Portal, Stays at Florida for 2026

A personal home visit from Jon Sumrall's staff persuaded the Freshman All-SEC pass rusher to remain a cornerstone for Brad White's 3-4 defense.

Overview

  • Woods announced on Jan. 8 that he withdrew from the transfer portal and will remain with the Gators.
  • Head coach Jon Sumrall, defensive coordinator Brad White and linebackers coach Bam Hardmon flew to Woods' Kansas home this week before his decision.
  • The retention completed Sumrall’s 5-for-5 checklist of priority returnees identified with new GM Dave Caldwell.
  • As a 2025 freshman, Woods posted 28 tackles, 3.5 sacks, five tackles for loss, an interception and a fumble recovery, earning Freshman All-SEC and PFF All-Freshman honors.
  • He became Florida’s first true freshman since 1992 to lead or co-lead the team in sacks, and he is positioned to bolster a pass rush that finished with 26 sacks, 11th in the SEC.