Former Florida Transfer Flips Commitment to Major College Football Program

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt De Lima | Last updated Jan 17, 2025 2:37 PM ET

On Monday, the Florida Gators lost a transfer portal commitment from former Charlotte 49ers quarterback Deshawn Purdie. On Friday, the 6-foot-4, 220-pound signal-caller announced he had committed to the Wake Forest Demon Deacons.

In his true freshman season at Charlotte, Purdie emerged as the team's starter in the 49ers' third game. He finished the season with 1,802 passing yards, 10 touchdowns and six interceptions.

Florida is sticking with DJ Lagway as their starting quarterback, and there are rumors that perhaps Purdie believed he would start in Gainesville.

Including Purdie, Charlotte has 38 players exiting the program via the transfer portal. Charlotte fired head coach Biff Poggi in November 2024. Two quarterbacks, Conner Harrell (North Carolina) and Grayson Loftis (Duke) have committed to transfer to the 49ers this offseason.

BREAKING: Charlotte transfer QB Deshawn Purdie has flipped his commitment from Florida to Wake Foresthttps://t.co/l6HDDPGq0I pic.twitter.com/ulY2FYEE3S
— Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal_) January 17, 2025

Jake Dickert was named Wake Forest football's head coach in December. He previously led the Washington State Cougars from 2022 to 2024.

Wake Forest has had 19 players exit and 21 players are incoming via the transfer portal this offseason.

Purdie joins Robby Ashford (South Carolina) to add to the Demon Deacons' quarterback depth chart. Wake Forest QBs Mitch Griffis and Charlie Gilliam entered the portal this offseason.

Wake Forest's highest-rated incoming transfers are IOL Devin Kylany (Washington State), S Sascha Garcia (William & Mary) and Gabe Kirschke (Colorado State).

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: