Florida Gators' new quarterbacks coach, Joe Craddock, is gearing up for an exciting spring football season, eyeing the competition to lead the offense in 2026. Craddock, alongside offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner, is emphasizing accuracy over sheer arm strength. Reflecting on his time at Tulane, Craddock coached Darian Mensah, who boasted a 65.9% completion rate, highlighting the importance of precision and timing.
Craddock explained, "Having a quarterback who can deliver the ball accurately is crucial. We had a guy with solid arm talent, but his accuracy and anticipation set him apart."
The battle for the starting quarterback position is heating up between Georgia Tech transfer Aaron Philo and returning redshirt freshman Tramell Jones Jr. Both are known for their dual-threat capabilities, ready to scramble when needed. Despite the competition, Craddock notes a strong sense of camaraderie among the quarterbacks.
“We’ve established that we’re competing with each other, not against each other," Craddock said. "It's essential to know we're all playing for Florida and pushing each other to improve."
Florida Football 2026 Quarterbacks:
Newcomers:
- Aaron Philo, RSo. (transfer, Georgia Tech)
- Will Griffin, Fr.
Returners:
- Tramell Jones Jr., RFr.
- Aidan Warner, RJr.
- Aaron Williams, RSo.
Outlook:
Aaron Philo, standing at 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, transferred from Georgia Tech where he served as Haynes King's backup.
In his tenure there, Philo threw for 938 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions, while also rushing for 19 yards. His familiarity with Faulkner's system makes him a valuable asset.
"Buster and AJ Erdely, who also joined us from Georgia Tech, know Philo well. His arm strength, size, and familiarity with the offense made him an easy choice," Craddock shared.
Tramell Jones Jr. impressed Craddock with his leadership and intelligence, having passed for 191 yards and 2 touchdowns last season. "He's a natural leader. The other players are drawn to him, and he’s quickly grasped the offense," Craddock noted.
Freshman Will Griffin, a strong-armed 6-foot-4, 230-pound quarterback, is still adjusting to college football. With an impressive high school career, Griffin is eager to learn and grow.
"He’s got the drive to improve. It’s a process, but his talent is undeniable," Craddock said.
As spring practices kick off on March 3, the competition promises to be intense, with each quarterback bringing unique strengths to the table. The Gators' coaching staff is optimistic about the potential on display, looking to build a formidable offense for the upcoming season.