Former Five-Star Offensive Lineman Joins Gators Seeking Fresh Start

T.J. Shanahan Jr. reunites with his former Penn State coach Phil Trautwein at Florida, hoping to turn potential into production.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Florida Gators have added a former five-star offensive lineman to their roster through the transfer portal. T.J. Shanahan Jr., a 6-foot-4, 330-pound redshirt junior, joins the Gators after stints at Texas A&M and Penn State. Shanahan is reuniting with his former offensive line coach Phil Trautwein, who believes he can help the talented lineman reach his full potential.

Why it matters

Recruiting and developing top offensive line talent is crucial for any successful college football program. Shanahan was a highly touted recruit out of high school, and his addition to the Gators' roster gives them an opportunity to capitalize on his potential and help him reach the NFL. Florida's offensive line was a weakness last season, so Shanahan's arrival could provide a significant boost.

The details

Shanahan's college career has been marked by inconsistency and injuries so far. After redshirting his true freshman year at Texas A&M in 2023, he was slowed by a suspension and a lower-body injury in 2024. He transferred to Penn State for the 2025 season, where he started five games and showed improvement as both a pass blocker and run blocker. Now at Florida, Shanahan will compete for a starting job on an offensive line that returns just one full-time starter.

  • Shanahan redshirted the 2023 season at Texas A&M.
  • In 2024, Shanahan was slowed by a suspension and a lower-body injury at Texas A&M.
  • Shanahan transferred to Penn State for the 2025 season, where he started five games.
  • Shanahan has now transferred to Florida for the 2026 season.

The players

T.J. Shanahan Jr.

A 6-foot-4, 330-pound redshirt junior offensive lineman who was a former five-star recruit out of high school in Texas. He has had an inconsistent college career so far, with stints at Texas A&M and Penn State, but is now looking to turn potential into production at Florida.

Phil Trautwein

The offensive line coach for the Florida Gators, who previously coached Shanahan at Penn State. Trautwein believes he can help Shanahan reach his maximum potential.

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What they’re saying

“He believes in me and I believe in him.”

— T.J. Shanahan Jr.

“He's continuing to get better. He sees himself getting better. That's why he's here, because he feels like me and him together can get him to reach his maximum potential and get to where his dreams are, which is the NFL and be drafted high.”

— Phil Trautwein, Florida Gators Offensive Line Coach

What’s next

Shanahan will compete for a starting job on Florida's offensive line, which returns just one full-time starter from last season. His ability to play multiple positions along the line could give him an advantage in earning playing time.

The takeaway

Shanahan's addition to the Gators' roster represents a chance for him to finally live up to his five-star potential. If he can stay healthy and continue improving under the tutelage of coach Trautwein, Shanahan could be a key piece in rebuilding Florida's offensive line and helping the program return to national prominence.