Florida TE Andrew Savaiinaea to Enter Transfer Portal

Gators' defensive lineman-turned-tight end Andrew Savaiinaea plans to transfer following two seasons with Florida.

Photo: Florida tight end Andrew Savaiinaea; Credit: University of Florida Athletic Association

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida redshirt freshman tight end Andrew Savaiinaea announced on Sunday that he plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal following two seasons with the Gators. 

"I'd like to give all glory to [the] man above for putting me in the position I am today. I am grateful for the opportunity, memories, and relationships that I've created here at the University of Florida. I want to thank coach [Billy] Napier and the rest of the staff for giving me this opportunity and all who have coached me. Also want to thank all those at [the Otis] Hawkins [Center] and GatorMade as well," Savaiinaea wrote. 

"After careful consideration and prayer, I have decided to enter my name in the transfer portal. Thank you Gator Nation!" 

Savaiinaea's commitment to the Gators helped put the finishing touches on the Gators' 2022 recruiting class, as he was one of eight recruits to officially align with Florida on National Signing Day, closing Napier's first and transitional cycle as UF's head coach. 

The Graham, Wash. native enrolled at Florida as a defensive end, considered the No. 95 lineman in his class by the 247Sports composite rankings, but moved to tight end due to the Gators' lack of depth at the position when it was impacted by injuries during Savaiinea's freshman season. 

But after not seeing any action and redshirting his first year at UF, Savaiinaea would go on to appear in just one game with the Gators in 2023, against Charlotte in Week 4. He did not log any statistics. 

Savaiinaea is the 11th member of Florida's 2023 roster with announced and/or reported plans to transfer this offseason, chronologically following defensive back Jadarrius Perkins, offensive tackle Jordan Herman, tight end Jonathan Odom, kicker Adam Mihalek, defensive back Kamari Wilson, defensive lineman Will Norman, quarterback Max Brown, wide receiver Caleb Douglas, wide receiver Thai Chiaokhiao-Bowman and defensive lineman Keenan Landry.

Underclassmen, like Savaiinaea, will officially be eligible to enter the transfer portal during its winter window opening, between Dec. 4, 2023, and Jan. 2, 2024.

This is a breaking news story that will be updated as further details emerge. 

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