Former Florida Gators safety Gregory Smith entered the NCAA transfer portal on April 22, and one of his potential landing spots is beginning to emerge. According to On3’s Pete Nakos, Smith is expected to visit Purdue on Thursday. He’s also receiving interest from North Carolina, Miami, and Ole Miss. Smith, a former four-star recruit and the No. 8 safety in the On3 Transfer Portal Industry Rankings, spent just one season in Gainesville. He saw limited action during the 2024 season, appearing in five games and recording five tackles and one pass breakup.
Smith is currently the only safety to leave the Florida program via the portal, though cornerback Ja’Keem Jackson has also transferred. Other key departures include edge rusher Kelby Collins, tight end Arlis Boardingham, and defensive lineman D’Antre Robinson. While Florida enjoyed its most successful season under head coach Billy Napier — finishing with eight wins and a Gasparilla Bowl victory over Tulane — Smith will be looking for more playing time elsewhere.
Purdue, one of the schools in the mix, is undergoing a coaching transition after parting ways with Ryan Walters, who posted a 5–19 record over two seasons. The Boilermakers are now led by Barry Odom, the former head coach at UNLV.
Leave a Reply