GAINESVILLE — Florida receiver Aidan Mizell, a former Orlando Boone standout, is transferring after three injury-plagued seasons with the Gators.
Mizell, who announced his intentions on Instagram, was the team’s fastest player and top-rated member of an impressive trio in the 2023 class, which also included injury-prone redshirt sophomore Tre Wilson and Andy Jean, who transferred after the 2024 season.
Mizell’s promise and explosiveness did not constently translate to the field.
The nation’s No. 16 player at his position, according to the 247Sports composite, arrived weighing just 167 pounds, but built himself to 185. Yet, a lack of durability limited him to seven games in each of the past two seasons.
Mizell, who had a smattering of impressive plays, leaves UF with 38 catches for 404 yards and three touchdowns.
Mizell had touchdowns of 41 yards against Samford and 43 yards against Georgia in 2024, while continuing to establish a connection with former quarterback DJ Lagway. Lagway threw a 22-yard touchdown pass to Mizell during the 2024 spring game, marking the true freshman QB’s first touchdown throw in the Swamp.
Lagway announced he would transfer Monday, leading Mizell to post on X, “Damn.”
With Lagway struggling in 2025, Mizell had less impact in the passing game. He finished the season with 19 catches for 177 yards and one touchdown during a 20-10 loss at LSU.
Mizell managed just three receptions longer than 15 yards, a 23-yard catch during a 40-21 win Nov. 29 against Florida State, a 22-yard catch at LSU and an 18-yard grab during an Oct. 19 homecoming win against Mississippi State.
Meanwhile, Vernell Brown III of Orlando became the team’s top playmaker until injuries slowed him during November. Fellow true freshman Dallas Wilson of Tampa appeared in just four games because of a foot injury. During limited action, he had 12 catches for 174 yards and three scores — or Mizell’s career total in 15 appearances including one in 2023.
With Brown banged up and Wilson out, redshirt freshman TJ Abrams stepped in and proved to be a crisp route-runner who produced — highlighted by three catches for 76 yards at Ole Miss. First-year receiver Naeshaen Montgomery, who is expected to remain, offers top-end speed to stretch the field Mizell provided.
Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com.
