Florida to lose 6th defensive back to transfer portal
By David Wasson
Published:
New Florida coach Jon Sumrall continues to see talent head out the door, as Gators defensive back Aaron Gates is reportedly heading to the transfer portal when it opens Friday.
Gates’ transfer, first reported by On3Sports, will mark the sixth Gators defensive back to decide to play elsewhere in 2026. He joins Sharif Denson, Jamroc Grimsley, Teddy Foster, Jordan Castell and Josiah Davis among the 24 Florida players who are moving on.
Gates appeared in 4 games for Florida in 2025, seeing action against LIU, USF, LSU and Miami. He had 4 tackles, 3 of which were unassisted, before sustaining a season-ending torn labrum in his shoulder that required surgery.
Gates played in 9 games with 5 starts in 2024, with 27 tackles (14 solo), 4 tackles for loss, 2 fumble recoveries and an interception. He played in four games on special teams in 2023 and took his redshirt season.
Florida finished 4-8 in 2025 and fired coach Billy Napier in midseason. Sumrall was tapped to replace Napier after the season ended, though he coached Tulane into its first-ever College Football Playoff berth.
The Gators are dealing with several high-profile transfers, including quarterback DJ Lagway and wide receiver Aidan Mizell.
An APSE national award-winning writer and editor, David Wasson has almost four decades of experience in the print journalism business in Florida and Alabama. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and several national magazines and websites. He also hosts Gulfshore Sports with David Wasson, weekdays from 3-5 pm across Southwest Florida and on FoxSportsFM.com. His Twitter handle: @JustDWasson.
