Kentucky lands Florida transfer DB, multi-year starter
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Jordan Castell has found a new home in the SEC. The Florida transfer defensive back will use his final season of eligibility at Kentucky.
Castell’s defensive coordinator at Kentucky will be a former Florida assistant. Jay Bateman was on staff at UF in 2022 and 2023, Castell’s freshman season, as inside linebackers coach. He left for Texas A&M ahead of the 2024 season and accepted the DC position at Kentucky as part of Will Stein‘s first staff.
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A product of Orlando (Florida) West Orange High School, Castell joined the Gators in 2023. He was rated 4-stars, the No. 16 safety, No. 45 player in the state of Florida and No. 212 prospect overall in the Class of 2023 on the 247Sports Composite. Part of Billy Napier‘s first full class, Castell picked up scholarship offers from 34 programs during his recruitment.
Castell’s Florida career got off to a strong start. In 2023, he played in all 12 games and started the last 11 games at safety. He led the team in total tackles (60) and solo tackles (30), logging 1.5 TFLs and 3 pass breakups. Castell made the Freshman All-SEC team for 2023 and was named a Freshman All-American by ESPN.
The past 2 seasons, Castell remained a starter at safety. In 2024, he was UF’s leader in PBUs with 9 and fourth on the team in tackles with 55 total (29 solo). This past season, Castell logged 54 total tackles, 2 interceptions and 1 QB hurry.
As it worked out, Jon Sumrall‘s Gators picked up a commitment from a Kentucky transfer DB.
Let’s work!! pic.twitter.com/ofaW8JEpN3
— Jordan Castell (@Jordan_castell) January 7, 2026
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
