Florida forward Sam Alexis has officially entered the NCAA Transfer Portal, On3’s Jamie Shaw reported on X. The 6‑foot‑8 junior averaged 4.7 points and 3.5 rebounds per game off the bench during Florida’s 2024‑25 national championship season. Alexis is the third scholarship player in as many days to depart Gainesville via the portal, following guard Denzel Aberdeen and reserve Kajus Kublickas. Originally a transfer from Chattanooga, he entered the portal as a Top‑75 prospect and ranked among the top 15 power forwards in last year’s transfer cycle.
Announcement and Immediate Reaction
On April 18, 2025, Florida forward Sam Alexis “entered his name into the NCAA Transfer Portal,” Jamie Shaw tweeted, confirming On3Sports coverage of his decision. Within hours, ESPN insider Jeff Borzello also reported Alexis’s portal entry, noting his reserve role for the Gators. Across social media, the news drew swift reaction from Gator fans and college basketball analysts alike, many highlighting his role on a championship team.
Season Performance and Role
During the 2024‑25 season, Alexis appeared in 24 games, averaging 11.9 minutes per contest and contributing 4.7 points and 3.5 rebounds off Florida’s bench. He shot 46.5 percent from the field and 20 percent from three, providing timely defensive rebounds and occasional shot‑blocking presence in a frontcourt rotation. Though his playing time dipped in the tournament stretch, Alexis delivered his season-high performances early in SEC play to help solidify Florida’s depth.
Collegiate Background and Development
A native of Apopka, Florida, Alexis began his collegiate career at UT Chattanooga, where he developed into an all‑conference performer. Over two seasons in the Southern Conference, he averaged 7.9 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game on 54.1 percent shooting, earning Third‑Team All‑Southern and All‑Southern Defensive honors. After transferring to Florida before the 2024‑25 season, he embraced a reserve role, providing experience behind the starting frontcourt while adapting to SEC‑level physicality.
Impact on the Gators’ Roster
Florida entered the portal cycle this week with six scholarship departures: seniors Walter Clayton Jr., Alijah Martin, Will Richard, and underclassmen Alex Condon and Rueben Chinyelu all leaving via graduation, the draft or portal moves. Adding Alexis to the exodus leaves the Gators needing frontcourt reinforcements to complement incoming transfer Xaivian Lee and returning rotation players Thomas Haugh and Micah Handlogten. Head coach Todd Golden will now face a critical offseason rebuild of depth behind projected starters Frank Anise and Orlando Agbaji.
Transfer Portal Timeline and Mechanics
The men’s basketball transfer portal this year opened Monday, March 24, 2025, and will close Tuesday, April 22, 2025, per NCAA guidelines. Within that 30‑day window, student‑athletes like Alexis can enter the portal, communicate with other programs, and secure releases without penalty. Once entered, players can officially visit and commit to new schools, often finalizing decisions through spring and into early summer.
Suitor Landscape and Outlook
Given his size, championship pedigree and strong defensive instincts, Alexis projects as an attractive mid‑major target and backline depth piece for high‑major programs. Industry insiders note that teams emphasizing frontcourt versatility—capable of switching in pick‑and‑roll and rim‑protection schemes—are likely to pursue him closely. His prior ranking as a Top‑75 portal prospect (No. 15 among power forwards) underscores his appeal to coaches seeking experienced, low‑risk additions.
Next Steps for Alexis
As Alexis and his representatives evaluate offers, factors like projected playing time, system fit, campus culture, and NIL opportunities will shape his decision. Official visits can last up to 48 hours, during which he’ll tour facilities, meet coaching staffs, and assess his fit for 2025‑26 spring practices. Early commitments allow incoming transfers to enroll for summer workouts and integrate into new playbooks ahead of the fall semester.
Conclusion
Sam Alexis’s transfer portal entry marks a significant moment in Florida’s offseason, underscoring the shifting landscape of college hoops where roster churn follows every Final Four berth. As a multi‑year contributor with championship experience and proven frontcourt acumen, Alexis brings a compelling resume for suitors nationwide. His eventual landing spot will not only reshape his own career trajectory but also signal Florida’s evolving roster composition as they look to sustain success under Todd Golden.
