Florida EDGE Kelby Collins plans to enter NCAA Transfer Portal

Florida EDGE Kelby Collins plans to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal, per On3’s Hayes Fawcett. Collins has spent two seasons with the Gators.

Collins logged six appearances and six tackles this season. In his true freshman season in 2023, Collins played in all 12 of the Gators’ games. He finished his debut campaign with 23 tackles, 1.5 tackle-for-loss and sacks, four quarterback hurries, a pass breakup and forced fumble.

For his efforts, he was named a member of the Freshman All-SEC team and The Athletic All-American Second Team. Coming out of high school, Collins chose Florida over Alabama and Georgia.

Collins played high school football at Gardendale (AL), where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 45 overall recruit and No. 6 defensive lineman in the 2023 recruiting cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Ahead of the 2024 campaign, Florida switched Kelby Collins’ position from EDGE to end. Despite Collins’ eventual lackluster season, Florida Caleb Banks praised the sophomore standout in August.

“I feel like it wasn’t hard for Kelby with the switch,” Banks said. “I feel like he just kind of accepted it and just took on a big role. He’s going to have a big role this year with us as well on the inside. 

“He’s a great pass rusher and he’s been doing really good, improving with his pass rush and getting top the quarterback a lot during one-on-ones. He’s going to have a great year.”

Collins is the sixth player to transfer from Florida since the regular season ended, along with cornerback Ja’Keem Jackson, receiver Andy Jean, EDGE rushers Justus Boone and Quincy Ivory, and offensive lineman Mike Williams. He has two years of eligibility remaining.

After finishing the regular season on a three-game win streak, Florida is bowl eligible. While the Gators may not be at full-strength due to several players entering the transfer portal, they will be a formidable foe for any team unlucky enough to get matched up against them.