Florida added depth at a position of need Thursday evening when Baylor defensive tackle Samu Taumanupepe committed to the Gators after visiting UF on Thursday.
As a redshirt sophomore in 2025, Taumanupepe appeared in six games, recording two tackles and one pass breakup in 27 defensive snaps.
Taumanupepe spent the previous two seasons at Texas A&M, appearing in a combined three games. The Humble, Texas native recorded six tackles in 2024, including four against McNeese State.
Standing at 6’3, 376 pounds, Taumanupepe gives Florida added depth at nose tackle following Micahi Boireau’s departure to Ole Miss.
Taumanupepe was a consensus three-star prospect at Atascocita High School. An All-District selection as a junior, Taumanupepe was rated as the 292nd best prospect overall by 247Sports and as the 23rd best defensive lineman.
Taumanupepe enters 2026 as a redshirt junior with two years of eligibility remaining.