Florida reportedly attempted to pursue Cam Rising after the 2022 season

The Gators were came knocking for the Utah quarterback

One of the more interesting aspects of college football is when major programs do home-and-home series' in consecutive years.

It forms somewhat of a rivalry, and adds to the intensity for the next meeting. That has been the case with Utah and their Week 1 opponent Florida. The Gators got the best of the Utes last season in a nail bitter a year ago, and now heading into the season Utah is a narrow favorite to beat them. Something that On3 analyst JD PicKell doesn't think will happen due to the uncertainty around Utah quarterback Cam Rising. 

While Rising is listed as the starter on the depth chart for the Utes he has yet to be deemed by head coach Kyle Whittingham as cleared to play. While that storyline is fascinating in and of itself, on Tuesday Utah fans were blindsided a by a report that stated that the Gators actually went after Rising with the hope he may transfer. 

Mark Long of the AP was on KSL Sports, and when discussing Florida's quarterback search this past offseason to replace Anthony Richardson he mentioned the names they were interested. As we all know they really wanted now Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman, and even were interested in Tulane's Michael Pratt, but what many did not know is that they sent out a feeler to Rising. 

.@APMarkLong joined @kslunrivaled and said that Florida "kicked the tires on Cam Rising. They at least made an inquiry to see if he is looking to transfer." pic.twitter.com/AtU221WCbE

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) August 29, 2023

They ended up with Wisconsin transfer Graham Mertz, but the fact that they went after Rising adds an extra bit of spice to the matchup.

The transfer portal era has been as crazy as it has been entertaining, but this news likely hits to close to home for Ute fans.