The Florida Gators are heading into 2026 with more questions than answers at the most important position on the field: quarterback. And with Jon Sumrall stepping in as head coach, the pressure to get it right is sky-high. After a 4-8 season and a coaching change, the Gators are looking to reset - but the departure of DJ Lagway adds another layer of uncertainty to an already pivotal offseason.
Lagway, once the crown jewel of Florida’s recruiting class and a potential franchise quarterback, is on the move. A mix of offseason injuries, limited preparation, and a sophomore slump derailed what many hoped would be a breakout year. Now, with Lagway entering the transfer portal, Florida finds itself back at square one under center.
That leaves Sumrall and his staff with a big decision: stick with the current roster or dip into the transfer portal to find their next starting quarterback? The portal officially opens on January 2, and Florida’s quarterback room is under the microscope.
Redshirt freshman Tramell Jones Jr. is one name to watch. He’s been in the program, knows the locker room, and could be ready to take the next step.
But experience matters, especially in the SEC, and that’s where things get interesting. Georgia Tech transfer Aaron Philo is another potential option, particularly with his connection to new offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner.
The two worked together in Atlanta, and that familiarity could give Philo a leg up if he chooses to follow Faulkner to Gainesville.
There’s also Notre Dame backup Kenny Minchey, whose name has surfaced as a possible addition. While none of these quarterbacks are proven SEC stars just yet, the competition could heat up quickly once the portal opens. And Florida can’t afford to miss - not this time.
This quarterback decision isn’t just about who takes the first snap on September 5. It’s about setting the tone for the Sumrall era.
After four losing seasons in the last five years, the Gators are desperate for stability - and success. The next quarterback won’t just be leading an offense; he’ll be tasked with rallying a fanbase hungry for relevance in a brutal SEC landscape.
Whoever wins the job will carry the weight of Gator Nation on their shoulders. The expectations are real, the pressure is intense, and the opportunity is massive. The road back to SEC contention starts here - with a quarterback decision that could define Florida football for years to come.