Florida offensive lineman Joshua Braun releases statement on leaving program

Florida offensive lineman Joshua Braun released a statement on Tuesday afternoon, confirming reports that he will be leaving the Gators program. On3’s Gators Online first reported the news after hearing from the player’s father earlier in the day and hinted at an announcement.

Gators Online also reported that Joshua Braun plans to enter the transfer portal when the next window opens, allowing him to join a new team for the 2023 season, a fact confirmed in his statement.

“I would like to begin by thanking Gator Nation for their tremendous support throughout the three seasons that I have spent as a Florida Gator. There are no better fans in the country, nor a better gameday atmosphere than The Swamp. I would also like to thank Coach Mullen and Coach Hevesy for giving me the opportunity to don the Orange and Blue, as well as Coach Napier and Coach Sale for furthering my development. After careful consideration with my wife and family, I have decided to enter the transfer portal on December 5. I intend to do so as a graduate of the University of Florida. In order to do so, I am leaving the team as the class I need to graduate conflicts heavily with football. I apologize to my teammates for the timing of this announcement and departure, but I must do what is in the best interests of myself and my family. I have cherished every second that I have been a Gator, and I look forward to the next chapter of my life.

“Thank you, Joshua Braun.”

Since head coach Billy Napier took over as head coach this season, Braun has appeared in two games. He saw time on the offensive line against Eastern Washington and on special teams against Missouri.

More about Joshua Braun

During the 2021 season, the 6-foot-6, 351-pound Braun started in seven of 13 games, having appeared at left and right guard. He appeared in 11 games as a backup during his true freshman season.

A former Georgia commit, Braun committed to the Gators shortly after Sam Pittman left Athens to become the head coach at the University of Arkansas.

According to the On3 Consensus, Braun ranked as the No. 27 offensive tackle and No. 262 player overall during the 2020 cycle. Auburn, Florida State, Miami, South Carolina and Michigan are some additional schools that offered Braun out of high school.