While it’s not expected to be a heavy spring window in the transfer portal for Florida, the Gators did add Baylor defensive tackle Brendan Bett, a young but talented player with three years of eligibility left.
Florida’s defensive tackle depth was already in question before sophomore D’Antre Robinson transferred to UNC, but after Robinson’s departure that depth became a glaring issue.
As a three-star recruit out of Killeen, Texas, Bett found a significant role during his rookie campaign at Baylor in 2023, playing in 10 games and earning a start vs. Houston. Bett finished with nine tackles, one sack, and two pass break ups, grading out by Pro Football Focus as the fourth-highest rated interior freshman defensive lineman in college football.
In 2024, Bett reportedly dealt with academic issues that kept him off the field, which have been well documented by his parents on social media. Bett did play in three snaps in Baylor’s bowl game vs LSU at the end of the season.
So where does Bett fit in? For starters, it’s important to talk about the background between Bett and the Florida coaching staff. Bett played defense at Baylor under Dave Aranda, who current Gators defensive coordinator Ron Roberts coached under from 2020-22. Baylor and Florida run the same defensive scheme, so the transition should seamless. Roberts was on Baylor’s staff when they offered Bett out of high school on February 25th, 2022. Florida’s defensive line coach Gerald Chatman also recruited Bett in while at Colorado. The Gators have a coaching staff that’s very familiar with Bett and a defense that he’s familiar with.
As many of you have seen over the years, it’s challenging to step onto campus and play a significant role in the trenches. The fact that Bett was able to play over 200 snaps and perform well as a freshman shows a lot of promise for a player with three years of eligibility left.
The 6’5, 300-pound defensive tackle can play both nose tackle and three-technique along the interior and did so in his time at Baylor. That versatility is something Florida’s staff has emphasized as it strengthens your depth. While it’s not a large sample size, Bett posted an impressive tackling grade of 77.7 in 2023 per PFF, not missing a tackle as a true freshman.
The best game of Bett’s career came against Cincinnati where he logged three tackles in 20 snaps. Bett displayed his strength and run stopping ability, shedding blocks and making one armed tackles at the line of scrimmage. Bett’s speed out of his stance needs improvement, but a reminder he was just a true freshman. The strength and high motor show up on tape.
Bett reportedly had a strong spring camp and was expected to take on a large role, if not start for Baylor in 2025. While some may be concerned about the academic issues, Florida has a stronger support system for student athletes and if this was going to be an issue, the Gators probably wouldn’t have acquired about his services given the limited spots remaining. Bett has experience for a younger player and familiarity within the Gators coaching staff and defensive system, giving him a leg up before he even steps on campus. Bett could find himself in the two deep in his first year with Florida.
It remains to be seen whether Florida will look to add another defensive tackle in the transfer portal.