UF position preview: Quarterback

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The first in a position-by-position look at the 2026 Gators leading up to fall camp:

TODAY: QUARTERBACK

What to expect

All eyes are on transfer Aaron Philo and returning redshirt freshman Tramell Jones Jr. The spring game only intensfied a competition that will go a long way to determining the fate of coach Jon Sumrall’s first season at Florida.

Philo is presumed to have the inside track to QB1 after two seasons at Georgia Tech working under new offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner. But the redshirt sophomore threw two first-half interceptions in the spring game before rebounding to finish 18-of-24 for 166 yards and two scores. Jones’ 75-yard touchdown to Wake Forest transfer Micah Mays highlighted an impressive day. He completed 13-of-17 throws for 210 yards and two touchdowns while posting a passer rating of 219.1.

When fall camp opens in late July, Philo and Jones will push to provide consistency and leadership while limiting mistakes for an offense well-stocked at the skill positions. Florida’s quarterback will not have to shoulder the load, but will have to manage Faulkner’s complex system and get the ball to playmakers.

The Gators boast tremendous depth at running back, led by 1,000-yard rusher Jadan Baugh and transfers Evan Pryor (Cincinnati) and London Montgomery (East Carolina). Florida’s receiving corps is stacked with rising sophomore stars Vernell Brown III and Dallas Wilson, highly productive Auburn transfer Eric Singleton, the surprising Mays and veteran TJ Abrams. The offensive line remains a work in progress under coach Phil Trautwein, but has potential.

Steady quarterback play is imperative a season after injuries and inconsistency to starter DJ Lagway led to a 4-8 season, left Florida ranking last in the SEC in scoring (21.6 points per game) and ended with Lagway transferring to Baylor. Lagway’s depature after 19 starts leaves the Gators to choose between two talented, yet inexperienced options with just one combined start — by Philo against Gardner-Webb in 2025.

Florida’s most talented thrower could be freshman Will Griffin, a former standout at Tampa’s Jesuit High, where he compiled 12,299 passing yards and 143 touchdowns during a record-setting career. But the 19-year-old needs to develop and gain experience.

Redshirt junior Aidan Warner, a former walk-on from Winter Park, stepped in for Lagway in 2024 after he was injured against Georgia, but remains an emergency option.

Returners

Will Griffin, freshman

Tramell Jones Jr., redshirt freshman

Aaron Philo, redshirt sophomore

Aidan Warner, redshirt junior

Aaron Williams, redshirt sophomore

Departures

DJ Lagway (transfer to Baylor): 2,264 passing yards, 16 TDs, 14 INTs; 251 rushing yards, 1 TD.

Harrison Bailey (eligbility)

Clay Millen (eligibility)

Arrivals

Will Griffin, Fr. (signee)

Aaron Philo (transfer Georgia Tech)

Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com

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