Eli Blair, a left‑handed pitcher who burst onto the Florida scene as a true freshman, has now decided to test the transfer market. The sophomore announced his intention on Monday via his social media channels, signaling the end of his first year in Gainesville.
A Surge of Transfers in the Gators' Pitching Staff
Blair finished his rookie campaign with a 4.82 earned run average, a 1.39 WHIP and a 9‑to‑3 strikeout‑to‑walk ratio over nine and one‑third innings, while also posting a 48.1% groundball rate and never surrendering a home run. Opposing batters managed a .278 average against him, underscoring his potential as a reliable arm in the rotation.
His departure is part of a larger exodus from the Gators' staff; five pitchers and three position players have already entered the portal, joining names such as McCall Biemiller, Matthew Jenkins, Cooper Moss, Christian Rodriguez, Cooper Walls, Cade Kurland, Kolt Myers and Blake Brookins.
Coach Kevin O'Sullivan has repeatedly emphasized the need for additional left‑handed depth, a goal that appears to be driving the program's recent activity.
Amid the departures, Florida has secured two promising additions: former FGCU catcher Jon Embury, the 2026 ASUN Player of the Year, and Jacksonville State right‑hander Maddox McDougall, both of whom have already committed to the program.
The moves illustrate a shifting landscape for the Gators, who are navigating both losses and new talent as they look ahead to the next season.