Florida defensive end Princely Umanmielen entered the transfer portal on Wednesday afternoon, 247sports’ Matt Zenitz first reported.
Umanmielen was by far Florida’s best pass rusher last season, totaling a team-best seven sacks to go along with 39 tackles. According to PFF, Umanmielen earned a strong 73.6 grade in his fourth collegiate season and dominated in Florida’s win over Tennessee, recording six quarterback hurries and three tackles.
While Umanmielen had better success rushing the passer in 2023, he was still an incredibly effective defensive end during his redshirt sophomore season recording 4.5 sacks and an even better 82.1 PFF grade.
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The redshirt junior enters the transfer portal with one year of eligibility remaining and a track record as a productive SEC player in each of the last three seasons. Tennessee doesn’t seem likely to be involved with the edge rusher. The Vols have a high amount of top end talent and depth at edge rusher including First Team All-SEC selection James Pearce Jr.
Losing Umanmielen would be a major blow for Florida. Not only was the Manor, Texas native its best pass rusher last season, he was by far their best pass rusher. No one else on the Gators’ roster totaled more than 2.5 sacks last season.
Florida coach Billy Napier exits his second season in Gainesville on an increasingly hotter seat. The Gators are 12-14 in Napier’s two seasons as head coach and was one of just five SEC programs that missed a bowl game this season.
