Like it or not, in the world of modern college football on can never assume a player with eligibility is coming back for the following season until they officially announce they are coming back. That has certainly been the case for the Florida Gators, who have seen upwards of 20 players announce they are hitting the transfer portal.
But Florida has also working behind the scenes to retain several key members for the 2026 season, and on Friday, they announced one of their biggest playmakers will be coming back next season.
Vernell Brown III is returning in 2026Â
Vernell Brown III took to social media to announce he would be coming back for the 2026 season. The former five-star wide receiver instantly burst onto the scene during his freshman campaign when he had a one-handed grab in the opener against LIU. Brown III went on to catch 40 passes for 512 yards and was also used as the primary punt returner, and had several long returns early in the season.
Brown III is a legacy Gator whose father, Vernell Brown II, and grandfather, Vernell Brown Sr., both played for Florida. He didn’t have the public bidding war for his services like with Jadan Baugh, but reports indicate there were definitely suitors trying to poach Brown III from Gainesville. While official contract details aren’t public, Zach Abolverdi of Gators Online indicated some schools were offering up to $1.5 million to try to lure Brown III.
His return is massive as Florida looks to lock in its wide receiver room for 2026. The Gators have seen a slew of guys from the room announce plans to enter the portal, including Eugene Wilson and Aidan Mizell.
If Florida can also lock up Dallas Wilson and land a solid receiver out of the transfer portal, Florida should still feel good about its wide receiver room for 2026.
And, of course, if they can land Jadan Baugh to pair with them, Florida’s offense should have a ton of promise heading into 2026.