In a transfer portal cycle that saw nearly 3,000 FBS players enter the fray, Florida‘s pursuit of underrated impact talent has become a defining storyline of its 2026 roster rebuild.
At the center of that strategy is Aaron Philo, the former Georgia Tech quarterback who has signed with the Gators and arrives in Gainesville with three years of eligibility and a unique blend of experience and pedigree. Philo broke his state’s all-time passing yardage record — surpassing Jacksonville Jaguars‘ Trevor Lawrence’s mark — and is widely seen as a potential starter under new offensive leadership.
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That’s why Philo commanded recognition in the latest college football top 100 under-the-radar transfer portal players to know. Dozens of college front office members were surveyed to compile the list, with the stipulation that those featured had to be ranked as three-star prospects or lower.
Florida’s portal class, ranked among the nation’s top 15, also featured a host of contributors whose profiles align with the under-the-radar trend highlighted in national assessments: players whose film merits attention beyond simple star ratings.
Coaches and personnel evaluators across college football described this 2026 portal as deep and unpredictable, with contributors surfacing from across divisions, backgrounds and roles. For Florida, that depth isn’t about headline names — it’s about fit, versatility and the potential for nearly immediate impact.
In a league where elite recruiting used to be king, the Gators are betting on underappreciated portal talent — anchored by a quarterback with a record-breaking past — to help them reclaim prominence in the SEC.
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Aaron Philo highlights Florida football’s transfer portal strategy
