The Florida Gators finished the regular season in 4th place in the SEC East with a 3-5 record in conference games and went 5-7 overall. They did not qualify for a bowl game and had a losing season for the third straight year.
The offense played well this season, averaging 409.1 yards and 28.4 points per game, 59th out of 133 schools in points per game.
The offense improved their receiving corps by landing a wide receiver in the transfer portal.
The Florida Gators added a wide receiver from the transfer portal.
Former Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Chimere Dike announced X that he transferred to Florida, reuniting with starting quarterback Graham Mertz. His name is pronounced CHIM-ray DEE-kay.
Dike committed to Wisconsin for the 2020 season.
Dike committed to the Wisconsin Badgers as a four-star recruit for the 2020 season. He got significant playing time in his freshman season due to injuries at his position. He appeared in seven games, recording 12 receptions for 189 yards and one touchdown. He was fourth in receptions, third in receiving yards and tied for third in receiving touchdowns on the team.
Dike had 19 receptions for 272 yards and one receiving touchdown in his sophomore season. He was fourth in receptions, fourth in receiving yards and tied for fourth in receiving touchdowns on the team. He also had four kick returns for 77 yards.
Dike led the team in receptions, yards, and receiving touchdowns in his junior season. He had 47 receptions for 689 yards and six receiving touchdowns. He also had five kick returns for 146 yards.
A leg injury limited Dike to 11 games, and took a step back in production in his senior season. He had 19 receptions for 328 yards and one receiving touchdown. He finished fifth in receptions, third in receiving yards, and tied for second in receiving touchdowns on the team. He also had 11 kick returns for 249 yards, and 12 punt returns for 108 yards.
Dike entered the transfer portal on December 4.
The offense is looking to replace their number-one wide receiver.
The Gators’ offense is looking to replace Ricky Pearsall, who declared for the 2024 NFL Draft. Pearsall has been their number-one receiver since he transferred from Arizona State in 2022.
Pearsall had 33 receptions for 661 yards and five receiving touchdowns in 2022. He also had 65 receptions for 965 yards and four receiving touchdowns in 2023.
Dike spent his first three seasons with Graham Mertz under center and could lead the team in receiving.
Dike joins an inexperienced receiving corps.
Chimere Dike joins an inexperienced receiving corps led by Trey Wilson. Wilson was the second-leading receiver in his freshman season, recording 61 receptions for 538 yards and six receiving touchdowns. Wilson could be the most-targeted receiver next season.
Another inexperienced wide receiver who will get more playing time is Kahleil Jackson. Jackson took over as the starter after not playing in his first three seasons. He had 21 receptions for 251 yards and one receiving touchdown in 2023.
Other inexperienced players who could get more playing time are Andy Jean and Aidan Mizell.
Will Florida bounce back and be competitive in the SEC next season?
For More Great Content
Follow me on Twitter/X @JacksonLoschko. If you have any questions, you can message me on Linkedin. To read more of our articles and be up to date on the latest in the CFB/NFL, click here.