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Florida Gators add commitment from transfer catcher Cole Stanford

On3 imageby: Zach Abolverdi07/04/25ZachAbolverdi
Cole-Stanford-Florida-Gators
New Florida catcher Cole Stanford. (Lenoir-Rhyne University Athletics)

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Catcher was one of the biggest portal needs for the Florida Gators and they have now landed three transfers at the position. The latest addition is Lenoir-Rhyne’s Cole Stanford, who committed on Friday.

Stanford was an All-SAC First Team selection in 2025 and named to three All-Region and All-American teams. His 20 homers were third most in a season in LR history and helped the Bears set a new NCAA DII home runs record.

Stanford hit .393 last season with 18 doubles, 56 RBI and a 1:1 K:BB ratio. He struck out just 27 times in 214 at bats. Stanford spent the last three seasons at Lenoir-Rhyne after transferring from Gordon State College.

This is the seventh transfer for Florida and third catcher, where UF could be replacing every player at the position from last season. The Gators have also landed TCU transfer Karson Bowen and JUCO product AJ Malzone in their 2026 class.

Florida junior catcher Luke Heyman is expected to turn pro after earning All-SEC first team honors in 2025. Heyman had 13 homers, 44 RBI and 37 runs scored with a .998 fielding percentage and 11 runners caught stealing, which ranked third in the SEC.

Junior catcher Brody Donay, who replaced Heyman after his season-ending injury, is one of four Gators that competed in the MLB Draft Combine and could also declare. Donay led the team in slugging percentage (.646), triples (2) and home runs (18).

UF also lost catchers Cole Bullen and Brock Clayton to the portal and five pitchers: Jacob Gomberg (LHP) and Alex Philpott (RHP), Carson Montsdeoca (RHP), Niko Janssens (LHP) and Felix Ong (RHP).

In addition to three catchers, the Gators have also added Jacksonville center fielder Jaden Bastian, Notre Dame RHP Ricky Reeth, Central Florida RHP Russell Sandefer and Hawaii RHP pitcher Cooper Walls.

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