Florida’s 2026 fall camp opened Wednesday morning in Gainesville, and the first look came with the usual mix of roster updates, quarterback chatter and a few encouraging signs for key players working their way back.
The media was allowed to watch warm-ups and the first special teams period, and Florida Gators on SI noted four players doing rehab work inside the indoor practice facility. Outside of the quarterbacks, no one was wearing a non-contact jersey during the viewing window.
Among the newcomers, Jordon was one of seven players to arrive after spring camp and was among those Sumrall said on Tuesday would be limited early in camp because of minor ailments. Hall was also expected to be limited. Offensive lineman Fletcher Westphal, who has dealt with wrist and hip issues since coming to campus in 2024, was full-go during the portion open to reporters.
The biggest storyline, though, was still the quarterback competition between Aaron Philo and Tramell Jones Jr. Sumrall and offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner both said Tuesday that there is no set date for choosing a starter, and that message carried over into the first practice of camp.
“There’s always an evaluation. Just because you’re the starter, you got to go play good,” he said of the timeline.
“Coach Spurrier used to run them in and out. No, there’s no timeline.
When we know, we’ll know. Obviously, somebody has to take the first snap here at FAU, and we’ll make that decision when it’s right.”
Faulkner said Jones Jr. has picked up the offense quickly, while Philo has stood out as a vocal presence. He also made it clear he believes Florida can win with either quarterback.
“We’re going to find the best quarterback for the University of Florida and that guy is going to go out there and it’s going to give us the best chance to win,” Faulker said. “We’ll see when we make that decision.
The one good thing is I can sit here and tell you I like them both. I think both have come a long way.
I think you can win with both.”
Both quarterbacks are expected to speak with the media after Friday’s practice.
Another positive note for Florida was the sight of redshirt freshman receiver Dallas Wilson working full-go after dealing with several foot injuries early in his time in Gainesville. During the short media viewing period, he was working on screen passes with Faulkner.
Wilson spoke Tuesday about the challenge of last season’s injury and the way the process shaped him.
“I’d say it was really tough, but it taught me patience,” he said. “Being very patient and sticking to my routine.
Sticking to that routine and getting really good at it. Going through that really helped me grow and mature as a man.”
He now enters 2026 as one of the featured receivers in Faulkner’s offense.
Sumrall had high praise for Wilson’s talent and makeup.
“He's physically imposing,” Sumrall said. “Can win the 50-50 ball in the air.
Has good long speed. Possesses good ball skills.
He's smart. He's really competitive.
“… Look forward to watching him cut it loose; Another guy that is kind of like I talked about Jayden Woods, another guy you just like being around. You're watching practice, he's got infectious energy. A guy that can be as good as he wants to be and a bright future.”
Florida is back on the field Friday morning, with the media viewing period scheduled from about 8:27 a.m. to 8:47 a.m. Jones Jr. and Philo are also expected to meet with reporters afterward at roughly 10:50 a.m.
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