Kamari Wilson Comments on Imminent Transfer From Florida

Gators sophomore safety Kamari Wilson, who is in the NCAA transfer portal, offers context regarding his imminent departure from Florida.

Photo: Florida safety Kamari Wilson; Credit: Zach Goodall 

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Gators sophomore safety Kamari Wilson, who entered the NCAA transfer portal on Dec. 4, on Thursday offered clarity regarding his imminent departure from Florida and his absence from play throughout the 2023 season.

Wilson, who commented on his transfer situation via the social media platform X, was removed from Florida's depth chart in Week 4 of the 2023 season and was absent from that point through its conclusion.

"Gator Nation! You will always hold a special place in my heart. You guys welcomed me with open arms and I am forever grateful," Wilson wrote. 

"My family and I came to the decision for myself to redshirt after the third game this season so that I could retain another season of eligibility. My decision was not based on any external factors that might have been floated around. I have the [utmost] respect for the Gators coaching staff, I just felt like I need to make a change!" 

Wilson was not observed with the team during its pre-game warmups before Florida's matchup with Charlotte in Week 4, following his removal from the depth chart. He joined the team on its sideline during the second quarter, wearing his jersey but without pads, only to be removed by an assistant and escorted to the locker room moments later. 

Asked about Wilson's status after the game, Florida head coach Billy Napier suggested Wilson had been removed from the team's travel roster for the week but made no reference to the defensive back's request to redshirt the season. 

"We can take 80 [players] to the hotel, and Kamari wasn't on that list," Napier said at the time. "Yeah, it's pretty simple." 

Wilson would not appear in a game with Florida again, although he dressed out and warmed up for the Gators' home bout against Vanderbilt in Week 6. 

"I currently hold a 3.76 GPA and know that I will make a positive impact wherever I end up, both on and off the field," said Wilson in his Thursday note. "Again, just wanted to say thank you for everything Gator Nation and I'm excited for what the future holds!" 

The No. 3 safety and No. 44 prospect nationwide in the recruiting class of 2022 by the 247Sports composite rankings, Wilson's Dec. 15, 2021 commitment to UF highlighted Napier's first signing period with the Gators, just over two weeks following his hiring as Florida's head coach. 

He took the field in all 13 games of his freshman season, serving as a key rotational figure in Florida's safety room alongside fellow class of 2022 signee, Miguel Mitchell, in relief of then-starters, Trey Dean III and Rashad Torrence II.

Wilson finished his two-year, 16-game tenure with the Gators having compiled 40 tackles including 1.5 for loss, one forced fumble and one pass breakup. With only three appearances logged in 2023, Wilson is qualified to redshirt the year. 

Wilson is one of 14 members of Florida's 2023 roster to have either entered the transfer portal or announced plans to do so, along with defensive back Jadarrius Perkins, offensive tackle Jordan Herman, tight end Jonathan Odom, kicker Adam Mihalek, defensive lineman Will Norman, quarterback Max Brown, wide receiver Caleb Douglas, wide receiver Thai Chiaokhiao-Bowman, defensive lineman Keenan Landry, tight end Andrew Savaiinaea, defensive lineman Chris McClellan, offensive lineman Jalen Farmer and edge rusher Princely Umanmielen.

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