News from standout freshman EDGE stuns Gator Nation

The Florida Gators just took a massive hit on the defensive line with their third-highest rated defender (according to PFF) announcing through his agent that he is set to enter the transfer portal. 

Florida true freshman standout EDGE Jayden Woods made a big name for himself quickly in 2025. He appeared in all 12 games for Florida in 2025, totaling 28 tackles, 2.5 sacks, one interception, five tackles for loss, and one pass breakup. According to Hayes Fawcett, Woods’ agent told On3Sports that he will be entering the portal.

Woods had two tackles each against USF and Miami, and really began to break out against No. 9 Texas. He had three tackles, half of a sack for six yards, and one pass breakup.

On October 11 against Texas A&M, though Florida lost to the Aggies, he had six tackles on 38 snaps.

His first career interception came against Ole Miss, and he proceeded to return it for 25 yards. He also had one tackle and his highest PFF grade on defense with a 75.7.

His standout season continued against Tennessee when he had eight tackles on 48 snaps on defense and nine snaps on special teams, posting a team-high PFF defense grade of 82.1 and pass rush grade of 93.9.

He ended the season with three tackles (two for losses), and one sack against Florida State.

In his first season as a Gator, Woods earned 2025 Freshman All-SEC honors and was named to the PFF 2025 All-Freshman Team.

The 6’3", 248lb freshman was the first Gator true freshman since Johnnie Church in 1992 to lead or co-lead the Gators in sacks.

Losing Woods will now open a hole that Jon Sumrall will need to fill via the transfer portal when it opens on Friday. Though the Gators have Kamran James set to return, Sumrall will now be tasked with filling the other side of the line that will be left empty by Woods departing for the transfer portal.