Gators Secure ECU Defensive Back from Transfer Portal

The Florida Gators have recently bolstered their roster for the 2026 season by securing East Carolina cornerback Jordy Lowery from the NCAA Transfer Portal. This acquisition occurred despite the portal’s official closure, showing the Gators’ ongoing commitment to enhancing their team.

Overview of Jordy Lowery’s Career

Jordy Lowery, standing 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing 189 pounds, is a native of Bartow, Florida. He transfers to the Gators after a successful stint at East Carolina, where he demonstrated his skills on the field.

Performance Statistics

• 27 tackles recorded during his season at East Carolina
• 2 tackles for loss
• 1 forced fumble
• 1 fumble recovery
• 4 pass deflections
• Started in 9 out of 12 appearances
• Achieved a 60.4 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus
• Noteworthy performance: 87.5 coverage grade against FAU

Before joining East Carolina, Lowery had a productive three-year period at Western Carolina. His 2024 season was particularly stellar, where he accumulated 48 tackles, six interceptions—one of which was a pick-six—along with eight pass deflections. His interceptions placed him third in the Southern Conference (SoCon), while his deflections secured the eighth position in the same category. As a recognition of his outstanding performance, he was named an AP FCS Second-Team All-American.

Gators’ Defensive Backfield Additions

Lowery’s commitment marks him as the fifth defensive back the Gators have secured from the transfer portal. The other recent additions include:

• DJ Coleman (Baylor transfer, safety)
• Cam Dooley (Kentucky transfer, safety)
• Kanye Clark (UCLA transfer, safety)
• Elijah Owens (JUCO transfer, corner)

These athletes will join a group of promising newcomers, which also features four-star recruits:

• CJ Bronaugh (corner)
• CJ Hester (corner)
• Kaiden Hall (safety)
• Dylan Purter (safety)

Returning Players

Despite several departures via the transfer portal, the Gators maintain a solid core of returning defensive backs. Notable players include:

• Bryce Thornton (senior safety and veteran leader)
• Dijon Johnson (corner)
• Cormani McClain (corner)

Additionally, second-year corners J’Vari Flowers, Ben Hanks III, and Onis Konanbanny, along with safety/nickel players Lagonza Hayward and Drake Stubbs, are set to contribute significantly. Walk-on safety Alfonzo Allen Jr. also remains a dependable player on the roster.

In conclusion, the Florida Gators continue to strengthen their team by actively engaging with players in the transfer portal. With a mix of new talent and returning veterans, the Gators are poised for a competitive season ahead.