Story by
Why Emmanuel Oyebadejo may be Florida football's most intriguing addition
- Story by
- Why Emmanuel Oyebadejo may be Florida football's most intriguing addition
Florida football landed some big names out of the transfer portal earlier this month, including Auburn wide receiver Eric Singleton, Georgia Tech quarterback Aaron Philo and Kentucky safety Cam Dooley.
But one under-the-radar portal signing could make an impact for the Florida Gators defense in 2026.
Advertisement
Emmanuel Oyebadejo, who signed with UF from Jacksonville State earlier this month, brings size, wingspan and a high upside as an edge rusher. Rated as a three-star transfer by On3 sports, the 6-foot-7, 295-pound Oyebadejo had a breakout season at Jacksonville State in 2025, recording 43 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 5 pass deflections in 14 games.
Oyebadejo had visits to Texas A&M and Missouri planned before committing to Florida to play for first-year coach Jon Sumrall. Under Sumrall and the rest of UF's defensive staff, Oyebadejo will get an opportunity to continue to hone his pass rush skills.
Raised in Manchester, England, Oyebadejo played soccer and basketball before first picking up a football at 19. He originally enrolled as a medical student at the University of Exeter before pursuing his football dreams at Jacksonville State.
Advertisement
"My goal is to play in the NFL, and I like my chances," Oyebadejo told the Conference USA's website in an interview last month.
Oyebadejo will get a chance to showcase his skills at Florida in one of the toughest conferences in the country. Another breakout season could result in him realizing his NFL goal, while benefitting UF as well.
Kevin Brockway is The Gainesville Sun's Florida beat writer. Contact him at kbrockway@gannett.com. Follow him on X @KevinBrockwayG1. Read his coverage of the Gators ' national championship basketball season in "CHOMP-IONS!" — a hardcover coffee-table collector's book from The Sun. Details at Florida.ChampsBook.com
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Emmanuel Oyebadejo could make big impact for Florida football defense
