In addition to left-handed sophomore McCall Biemiller, three right-handed Florida pitchers have entered the transfer portal since it opened on Monday.
Junior Christian Rodriguez confirmed with Gators Wire that he entered the portal on Thursday. Junior Matthew Jenkins and freshman Cooper Moss announced their transfer intentions on Monday. Rodriguez was the only one to make an appearance in 2026.
While Florida is losing arms from the bullpen, the 2026 recruiting class features six pitchers who could make it to campus. Only one is considered a serious draft prospect, and Kevin O’Sullivan has already made it public that he will be pursuing left-handers in the transfer portal.
Christian Rodriguez
A highly-touted prep player out of national powerhouse Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Rodriguez was named the 2023 MaxPreps National Player of the Year and the 2023 Perfect Game Player of the Year following a 12-0 senior campaign that saw him strike out 117 batters and hold a 0.69 ERA.
Rodriguez was never able to match that success at the next level in Gainesville. Tommy John surgery kept him out for all of the 2024 season, and he built himself back up over 22 appearances in 2025. Rodriguez struck out 31 batters over 23 2/3 innings, but his 5.32 ERA was slightly elevated.
A strong summer in the Cape Cod League led to high expectations for “C-Rod,” but a tough fall put him on a short leash. The result was limited action in the spring, leading to a 20.25 ERA over 1 1/3 innings. The changeup will always be a plus pitch, and his fastball is getting back to where it was at the end of his high school days, but a change of scenery might be best for both sides.
However, Florida is losing a strong locker-room presence, one who could have helped guide a bullpen expected to see significant turnover.
Matthew Jenkins
Jenkins showed flashes of greatness over 14 innings (nine appearances) in 2025, but he struggled against SEC bats and played only twice after March, partly due to injury. The biggest highlight for him came on May 6, 2025, against South Florida, when he struck out seven over 2 2/3 hitless innings. He did not take the mound in 2026 but already took a redshirt during his JUCO career.
The fastball is the selling point for Jenkins. Landing somewhere else in the state at the mid-major level feels likely.
Cooper Moss
Moss didn’t play in 2026, and Kevin O’Sullivan couldn’t guarantee him the amount of innings he wanted as a second-year college player. The decision wasn’t easy, but it’s the right one for his career.
“It’s definitely tough,” Moss said to WJHG News. “Being a Gator, growing up, it’s a dream of yours. Gainesville holds a special place in my heart. It’s tough, physically and mentally. You love the program, but you have to do what’s best for you. It sucks, but I think the best is ahead.”
Moss should find a home relatively easily. He had some of the better mechanics out of the 2025 pitching class and was 94-95 on his fastball while healthy. He also has a low-80s slider and a high-80s splitter that draws good swing and miss.
Moss was a record-setter at J.R. Arnold High School. He is the only player in Bay County history to strike out 300 batters and drive in 100 runs as a two-way player. His 14.2 K/9 and 1.28 ERA were also elite figures over 56 career appearances.
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Three more Florida Gators pitchers enter NCAA transfer portal
Reporting by David Rosenberg, Gators Wire / Gators Wire
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By David Rosenberg, Gators Wire | USA TODAY Network
