Checking in on transfer J. Michael Sturdivant

J. Michael Sturdivant spent two seasons at UCLA after being a transfer from Cal in 2023. He was seen as a good receiver that could come in and immediately help Chip Kelly’s offense with Dante Moore at quarterback. Kelly was able to flip his commitment from Oregon to take over for the recently departed Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Sturdivant has great size for a receiver at 6’3 and 200 pounds. Allowing him to get good position on corners and being able to contest for jump balls.

Sturdivant had a productive 2023 season with many changes at QB. With Moore to Ethan Garbers flipping multiple times. He finished the season with 36 catches for 597 yards and four touchdowns. His 16.6 yards per catch were the highest he has had in his college career. His best season came in 2022 while at Cal when he had 65 catches for 755 yards and seven touchdowns. He has shown that he is an above average route runner and willing to block in the run game when needed.

After the 2024 season. Sturdivant decided to hit the transfer portal again. Ultimately deciding to transfer to Florida. This came after a down season for the Bruins. One that they struggled most of the season on offense. There were times that he was phased out and finished the season with only 22 catches for 315 yards and two touchdowns. With the Bruins bringing in many transfers for the 2025 season, that meant other players were going out as well to interchange.

Sturdivant for the Gators was able to up his yards per catch to 15. Showing he could stretch the field and help the offense. But the output remained around the same as when he was with UCLA for two years. As he caught 27 passes for 406 yards and three touchdowns. Florida had similar struggles to UCLA this past season as they had higher expectations and finished 4-8. Firing their head coach in the middle of the season. Their offense struggled with consistency most of the season as well and had troubles with turning the ball over and ending drives.