Florida linebacker flips decision back on entering NCAA transfer portal

Florida linebacker Ty’Ron Hopper is back in the transfer portal. On3’s Matt Zenitz confirmed the news on Monday after Hopper withdrew his name four days ago.

A former top 100 overall recruit in the 2019 recruiting class, Hopper racked up 65 tackles, ten tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and one forced fumble this year for the Gators.

Hopper just enjoyed a breakout year during the 2021-2022 season, so it’s an unfortunate loss for Billy Napier’s squad. He would have been one of the program’s top returning defenders.

The talented linebacker will be one of the most coveted linebacker prospects in the transfer portal.

During the Gators’ final three games of the season, he had 25 tackles, four tackles for loss, a sack, and a forced fumble.

He was ejected during their bowl game against Central Florida after he pushed a UCF offensive lineman to the ground. His father explained why Hopper pushed him after the game–the player spit in Hopper’s face.

Coming out of high school, Hopper chose the Gators over South Carolina, Alabama, Cincinnati, Boise State, and others. His brother, Tyrone Hopper, recently transferred from North Carolina to Missouri.

A native of Alpharetta, Georgia, he played his high school football for Roswell.

Next destination for Hopper?

On3’s Nick de la Torre reported last Thursday afternoon that Hopper could follow a former coach to his next destination. On3’s Matt Zenitz reported that former Florida Gators coach Christian Robinson is joining the Auburn Tigers.

Robinson was a critical piece of the linebacker’s recruitment to Gainesville and his position coach for the past three years. A redshirt sophomore, the gifted linebacker will have three years of eligibility remaining (a free COVID year included).

Robinson is joining an Auburn program going into its second year under head coach Bryan Harsin.

Missouri could be another SEC program to watch, according to Zenitz.

On3’s Wade Peery contributed to this report.