Gator Legacy Returns Home: TJ Bullard Commits to Florida
GAINESVILLE, FL – The Florida Gators’ defensive reconstruction under new head coach Jon Sumrall gained significant momentum on Monday morning. TJ Bullard, a linebacker from UCF and a legacy within the Florida program, officially announced his commitment to the Gators via the transfer portal.
Bullard, the son of former Gator defensive end and WWE superstar Thaddeus Bullard (better known as Titus O’Neil), becomes the 21st transfer addition for Florida this cycle. His arrival marks another step in Sumrall’s aggressive strategy to overhaul a roster that struggled through a 4–8 campaign in 2025.
Deep Roots in Gainesville
The Bullard name is etched into Florida football history. Thaddeus Bullard played 44 games for Steve Spurrier from 1997 to 2000, earning a letter in four straight seasons.
TJ is not the only family member currently in the locker room; his younger brother, Titus Bullard, is a walk-on edge rusher for the Gators. Furthermore, the Bullard brothers are cousins of standout linebacker Myles Graham, whose father, Earnest Graham, was a star running back at UF and a teammate of the elder Bullard.
Impact on the Roster
While Bullard was primarily a special teams standout during his four seasons at UCF—appearing in 27 games and logging 235 career snaps—his veteran presence is a major get for a room needing depth.
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Versatility: Standing 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds, Bullard brings athleticism and high-motor play to the second level.
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Experience: Entering his final year of eligibility in 2026, he provides a bridge for a linebacker room that features rising stars like Myles Graham and Aaron Chiles.
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Special Teams: He is expected to be an immediate “core four” special teams contributor, an area Coach Sumrall has prioritized for improvement.
A Top-10 Transfer Class
With Bullard’s commitment, Florida now boasts a Top-10 transfer portal class according to On3 Sports. The Gators have been “aggressive yet particular,” focusing on players with established production or specific ties to the coaching staff, such as quarterback Aaron Philo and wide receiver Eric Singleton Jr.
As the January transfer window nears its close on the 16th, the Gators have successfully replaced over 20 departures with a mix of Power Four starters and high-upside legacy players like Bullard.
