The 6-foot-5, 330-pound former five-star prospect, who entered the NCAA transfer portal on January 12, 2026, after two standout seasons protecting quarterbacks like Shedeur Sanders in Boulder, instantly became the No. 1 offensive tackle available and one of the most coveted players overall. Seaton started 22 games at left tackle for the Buffaloes, earning second-team All-Big 12 honors and midseason All-American nods in 2025 despite Colorado’s disappointing 3-9 campaign.
Seaton’s portal entry, coming just days before the window closes on January 16, has sparked a frenzy driven largely by NIL dollars. A prominent Florida booster, Hal Lewis, revealed that Seaton’s camp is starting the bidding at an eye-popping $2.5 million, a figure on par with top skill-position players and far exceeding his current On3 NIL valuation of around $1.7 million. This massive asking price underscores why programs with deep booster pockets are circling aggressively, as Seaton is projected as a potential first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft if he continues his development.
Locked On Gators highlighted Florida’s interest early, noting that the Gators have already made contact with Seaton and are positioning themselves strongly in the race. On3’s Pete Nakos confirmed Florida as a key school to watch alongside early frontrunners Oregon and Texas, with other programs like LSU, Miami, Ohio State, Ole Miss, and Texas Tech also in the mix. Seaton’s Florida ties run deep—he finished high school at IMG Academy in Bradenton, giving the Gators a geographic and familiarity edge that could sway the decision amid the high-stakes financial negotiations.
For Florida, landing Seaton would be a transformative addition to an offensive line needing immediate upgrades under head coach Billy Napier (or his successor, depending on the timeline). The Gators’ line struggled in 2025, and Seaton’s elite pass-blocking prowess—highlighted by strong PFF grades and minimal pressures allowed—would provide instant protection for the quarterback while boosting recruiting momentum in the Sunshine State. His addition could help Florida compete in the loaded SEC trenches and signal that the program is willing to play big in the NIL era.
The recruitment battle remains fluid with the portal closing imminent, but Florida’s emergence as a monitor school has Gators fans buzzing. Early intel points to a three-team race among Florida, Oregon, and Texas, where resources and scheme fit will likely decide the outcome. Seaton’s move is a prime example of how the transfer portal continues to reshape rosters overnight, especially for blue-chip talents seeking better paydays and pro development paths.
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