SEC Powerhouse Misses on Top Safety Transfer

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Grant Bricker | Last updated May 9, 2025 1:08 PM ET

The Florida Gators were searching for safety depth after losing Gregory Smith III to the transfer portal.

Unfortunately, the Gators missed out on a safety they had been recruiting heavily in the portal. On3's Hayes Fawcett reported Thursday that former Miami Hurricanes safety Zaquan Patterson committed to the Oklahoma State Cowboys.

Florida recruited him, along with the Ole Miss Rebels and the Tennessee Volunteers.

The Gators finished the 2024 campaign at 8-5, which was head coach Billy Napier's first winning season. The team also secured Napier's first bowl win after beating Tulane 33-8 in the Gasparilla Bowl.

Florida's secondary has lost Smith and cornerback Ja'Keem Jackson to the transfer portal.

Patterson was a member of the 2024 class, hailing from Chaminade-Madonna Prep in Hollywood, Florida.

He was a former four-star recruit and was the No. 18 safety in the On3 Transfer Portal Industry Rankings.

Other significant portal entries for Florida include defensive lineman D'Antre Robinson, edge rusher TJ Searcy, edge rusher Kelby Collins and tight end Arlis Boardingham.

Patterson saw the field as a true freshman last season, but not with many starting opportunities. He played in 13 games with one start, recording 19 total tackles and three pass breakups.

Oklahoma State's transfer class is highlighted by former Virginia Tech Hokies inside offensive lineman Bob Schick, former South Carolina Gamecocks edge rusher Wendell Gregory and former UTEP defensive lineman Kyran Duhan.

Florida brings plenty of momentum into 2025, returning top players like quarterback DJ Lagway, center Jake Slaughter and safety Jordan Castell.

The Gators open the 2025 season against Long Island on Aug. 30.

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

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