Kamran James, Florida’s sack leader in 2025, makes decision on 2026 season
By David Wasson
Published:
The Florida Gators picked up a key retention Sunday, as standout edge rusher Kamran James announced he is returning to Gainesville in 2026.
James was Florida’s sacks leader in 2025, totaling 3½ sacks as a junior. He also had 23 solo tackles, 2 pass breakups and 1 forced fumble. In his 3-year career, James has amassed 5½ sacks, 44 solo tackles, 2 forced fumbles and 2 pass breakups.
James staying put at Florida is a victory for new Gators coach Jon Sumrall. A reported 23 Gators are set to enter the transfer portal when it opens Friday, including quarterback DJ Lagway, wide receiver Aidan Mizell and defensive lineman Michai Boireau.
Florida finished 4-8 in 2025, a disappointing season that saw coach Billy Napier fired Oct. 19. Napier’s tenure in Gainesville resulted in a 22-23 overall record and a 12-16 mark in SEC play.
Sumrall was hired by Florida on Nov. 30. Sumrall went 20-8 in two seasons at Tulane, including an 11-3 mark in 2025 that won a Sun Belt Conference title and earned a College Football Playoff berth. His overall record in four years as a head coach is 43-12, as he went 23-4 in two seasons at Tulane from 2022-23.
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.
