Florida defensive back Sharif Denson, a two-year starter for the Gators, plans to enter the transfer portal when the winter window opens Jan. 2.
Denson’s name is already drawing attention because he brings proven SEC snaps and is a strong tackler and run-stopper. Pro Football Focus graded him at a 79.0 run-defense mark in back-to-back seasons.
BREAKING: Florida starting DB Sharif Denson is entering the @TransferPortal, he tells @On3Sports
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) December 26, 2025
He’s totaled 95 tackles, 1 INT, 3 PD, 6.5 TFL, 2 sacks, & 1 FF in his time with the Gators
Repped by @AiC_Athletes https://t.co/RlUbB6EMhS pic.twitter.com/oovaSkivc2
Former Florida DB Sharif Denson
On the field, Denson started 11 of 12 games for Florida this season and finished with 53 tackles (39 solo), two tackles for loss and a pass breakup. He started six games in 2024 and totaled 37 tackles, five tackles for loss, two sacks, two pass breakups, one interception and one forced fumble.
For his career in Gainesville, Denson has 95 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, three pass breakups, one interception and one forced fumble.
Denson is listed at 5-foot-11, 195 pounds and is from Jacksonville, Florida, where he played at Bartram Trail High School. He was a four-star recruit in the 2023 class who chose the Gators over a group that included Alabama, Florida State, Georgia, Miami, Michigan and Ohio State. That Miami connection is part of why Hurricanes fans have quickly clocked the news, even though there has not been a public report of Miami contact since Denson announced his intention to enter the portal.
Below is the list of players added last offseason in the secondary and DB's likely to be done after this season.
Secondary guys who could be leaving after this year
- Keionte Scott (Sixth-Year Redshirt Senior)
- Jakobe Thomas (Fifth-Year Senior)
- Charles Brantley (Redshirt Senior)
- Isaiah Taylor (Redshirt Senior)
- Jadais Richard (Senior)
- Briton Allen (Graduate Student)
Portal additions to Miami's secondary last offseason
- Xavier Lucas, DB (Wisconsin)
- Ethan O’Connor, DB (Washington State)
- Zechariah Poyser, DB (Jacksonville State)
- Jakobe Thomas, DB (Tennessee/Middle Tennessee)
- Keionte Scott, DB (Auburn)
- Briton Allen, DB (Utah/USC)