ECU transfer Chase Sowell is preparing to take an official visit to Florida Football

As the winter transfer portal period approaches, Florida football is focusing on key positions to bolster its roster, with the wide receiver slot at the top of that list.

With the impending departures of senior receivers Elijhah Badger and Chimere Dike, two of quarterback DJ Lagway’s top targets last season, the Gators are looking to fill the position.

Chase Sowell, a standout wide receiver from East Carolina University, has caught the attention of the Gators’ coaching staff and will officially visit the University of Florida on December 21, according to Mike Roach of 247Sports.

Sowell, who has a notable family connection to the university — both parents are alumni — was born in Gainesville, adding a personal layer to the recruiting story. His father, Ronnie, played baseball for the Gators, while his mother, Keisha, was a soccer player, bringing a legacy of athletic ability to the family.

This season, Sowell has been a significant force on the field. After moving to East Carolina, he showed a significant improvement in performance.

In the 2023 season, Sowell collected 47 receptions for 622 yards and one touchdown, followed by a 2024 season in which he caught 34 passes for 678 yards and three touchdowns.

According to 247Sports, Sowell was originally rated as a three-star recruit out of Atascocita High School in Humble, Texas, earning the No. 149 spot nationally among wide receivers. His ranking improved upon entering the transfer portal, with 247Sports giving him four-star status.

Sowell is now considered the 31st transfer candidate overall and the eleventh best among transferring wide receivers.

Sowell has reported offers from Arizona State, Baylor, Florida, Houston, Illinois, Iowa State, Oklahoma State, SMU, TCU, Virginia Tech and Wisconsin since announcing his plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal.

The winter portal opened on Monday, December 9th and closes on Saturday, December 28th.

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