Transfer safety DJ Coleman added a physical presence on the backend of the defense when he arrived from Baylor. (Photo: Ethan Roy/UAA Communications)
Newcomer Coleman Speaking Up In Gators Secondary
Tuesday, April 7, 2026 | Football
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By: Ryan Roddy, FloridaGators.com Writing Intern
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — New Gators defensive back DJ Coleman isn't just bringing experience to Florida's rebuilt secondary.
He's bringing a voice.
A transfer from Baylor entering his senior season, Coleman appeared in three seasons for the Bears, totaling 84 tackles, nine pass breakups, two interceptions and a forced fumble. He set career highs across the board in 2025.
And after the season, Coleman searched for a fresh opportunity. He found one with the Gators, as first-year head coach Jon Sumrall looked to turn things around.
With a revamped defensive backfield, Coleman expects to be a versatile anchor at safety, mentally as much as physically.
"I just bring a very strong voice back there, I put people at ease," Coleman said. "When you're at safety, people need you to calm them down, like the cornerbacks, the linebackers, they can get really hectic out there, especially in a loud stadium. So, I bring a very calming sense, and then when the plays come to me, I like to make them."
The transition from the Big 12 to the Southeastern Conference presents a different challenge for the 6-foot, 209-pound Coleman, who, after Tuesday's practice, said SEC players are "beefier."
Still, it's a test he embraces.
"I feel like I have the body type that will compete and be ready for that," said Coleman. "And I feel like the way we practice here at Florida, I feel like we'll be ready for any team that we play."
Sumrall continues to press the Gators into shape and build team culture as they wind down spring camp in preparation for Saturday's Orange & Blue Game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
What has he seen from Coleman?
"He's got a shot. He's got time on task,'' Sumrall said. "He's played a lot of football at the collegiate level." Safety DJ Coleman last season at Baylor. (Photo: Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)
A former track athlete and part-time running back, Coleman said he can't rely on speed alone in a defense that allows him to "play fast."
"I want to hit 'em," he said.
Coleman joined a secondary that lost five players from a season ago, including starting safety Jordan Castell and nickel Aaron Gates. He and veteran Bryce Thornton are the most experienced safeties on the roster.
Safeties coach Chris Collins said Coleman's experience has helped him adjust to a new defense and new team.
"DJ's very bright in terms of just football understanding,'' Collins said. "Now, we're trying to hone it in and train those small nuances, like vision lines and how to set them and how to identify angles, formation recognition, along with the tools in our toolboxes and when to use those certain tools. And so been really pleased and excited about his growth. Really excited about the versatility that he adds to the room, playing multiple positions at his last stop, and again, his football awareness and his IQ have been something we've been very pleased with."
Gators defensive lineman Brendan Bett, who transferred from Baylor a season ago, didn't have to be introduced when Coleman landed with the Gators. The former teammates talked before Coleman made his transfer destination official.
"Me and DJ, we were locker buddies. His locker was right next to mine at Baylor,'' Bett said. "We were two of the other freshmen that played – that started on the defense. We kind of came in young. We got thrown into the fire young. We've always just had that connection.
"Whenever I found out he was hitting the portal, I instantly hit him up."
Coleman said the secondary has the potential to be one of the best in the country if it can "put it all together" and "really lock in." For now, building chemistry remains key.
Coleman has primarily played safety, but when asked about his preferred position, his answer was simple.
"On the field," he said.
That team-first mindset played into his decision to transfer. Along with Florida's tradition, Coleman pointed to the coaching staff, led by Sumrall and a culture that has stood out since day one.
Coleman called it a "new era of Florida Gators," one he hopes fans will buy into.
"I just want to show them that this is a new era of Florida Gators and what we're bringing to the 2026 football season is a brand of football that they can trust and believe in when it comes to games," he said.
Coleman was the first transfer portal commitment under Sumrall, buying into the program's direction early.
"Coach Sumrall, I mean, he doesn't allow anything soft," Coleman said. "So, you gotta be on it every day. And if you're not on it, he will let you know."
—FloridaGators.com senior writer Scott Carter contributed to this report.
