Florida EDGE Kelby Collins issues cryptic 5-word message after taking major transfer portal decision

Florida Gators defensive lineman Kelby Collins revealed during an interview with On3 Tuesday he was entering the transfer portal after seeing his snap count decline this season. Last season, Collins operated as an edge player but he transitioned to the defensive line this season.

On Wednesday, Collins quote-tweeted a tweet on X announcing his decision to enter the transfer portal with a 5-word message.

"My story will be told.."

Why Collins entered the transfer portal

After being involved in 228 of 274 defensive snaps last year, Kelby Collins was only involved in 58 snaps this season (35 tackle, 23 EDGE) with 30 snaps coming against the Mississippi State Bulldogs in Week 4. He was pushed down the depth chart in favor of Jack Pyburn.

Florida coach Billy Napier revealed during his weekly news conference why Collins had played less since his position change.

“I think Kelby (Collins) is in a room that’s deep. I think it’s very competitive in that room. I think there’s obviously some veteran players, and then I think he’s in between roles in terms of the different things that he can do. But he’s still a young player, and I think obviously it’s all about improvement. It’s all about getting better at your craft."

Napier further revealed Collins would have to be patient to break out in his new position while highlighting the qualities that made him such an efficient player during the 2023 season.

"And you got to work while you wait, and you may not like your role, but you have to work hard to improve and embrace that role and try to earn more," Napier said.

"And I think he's in that type of position, but Kelby’s a great leader. He's got great relationships with his teammates and he shows up every day, takes great pride in doing his job for the team. So ultimately, I just think it's a very competitive moment and there's a lot of good players in that room.”

The last time that Collins played for the Florida Gators was the 48-20 blowout win against the Kentucky Wildcats in Week 8.

After a stellar 2023 season during which he tallied 23 tackles and 1.5 sacks in 12 games, Collins earned Freshman All-SEC honors. This season, he has tallied six tackles in only seven games played.

Collins is the sixth scholarship student-athlete and eighth overall player to leave Gainesville since the end of the regular season.