The Tennessee Volunteers will not be landing one safety target in the college football transfer portal. Making matters worse, the safety could transfer to an SEC East rival.
The Florida Gators have the 14th-ranked SEC transfer class via On3 Sports and are trying to improve their position by pursuing a rival player. On3's Pete Nakos updated his intel regarding various transfers, including former Miami Hurricanes safety Zaquan Patterson.
The Florida Gators are not afraid to pursue players from rival college football programs, especially those in the same state. Per On3's Blake Alderman, the Gators have reportedly made a "solid" NIL offer to former Miami Hurricanes safety Zaquan Patterson.
The Tennessee Volunteers were mainly in the transfer portal searching for a quarterback after Nico Iamaleava's departure, but since Joey Aguilar joined from UCLA, Josh Heupel and his management are now looking to fortify the defense as well.
The Florida Gators' secondary did not meet expectations in 2024, ranking 11th in passing yards allowed (227.5) per game in the SEC. The Gators are attempting to remedy that situation by luring a safety from one of its in-state rivals.
The Florida Gators appear ready to make a move after parting ways with safety Gregory Smith III, who will officially enter the transfer portal after flirting with returning to the team.
After a positive outing for the Miami Hurricanes Football program with their annual spring game, news hits Coral Gables as safety Zaquan Patterson hits the transfer portal.