As spring football approaches, all eyes are on the Gators as they gear up for camp on March 3rd. With new head coach Jon Sumrall at the helm, Florida is set to evaluate a roster bolstered by nearly 30 transfers. The competition to make the two-deep roster will be fierce, and several players are expected to step up and prove their worth for the 2026 season.
Aaron Philo, QB (Georgia Tech)
The quarterback position is always a focal point, and Florida made a bold move by bringing in Aaron Philo. With two years under his belt in Buster Faulkner's offense at Georgia Tech, Philo is no stranger to high expectations.
Though he primarily served as a backup, his performances hinted at significant potential, enough for the Yellow Jackets to consider him their 2026 starter before Faulkner's departure. Philo is the frontrunner for the Gators' starting job, but with Tramell Jones hot on his heels, this spring will be crucial for him to assert his dominance.
Evan Pryor, RB (Cincinnati/Ohio State)
Evan Pryor's journey from a top prospect at Ohio State to a dynamic speedster at Cincinnati has been impressive. Now, he's ready to bring his explosive playmaking to the Gators' offense.
Pryor, known for his agility and receiving skills, tallied 25 catches for 281 yards and two touchdowns with the Bearcats. His 7.1 yards per carry average underscores his ability to break big plays.
As he joins forces with primary back Jadan Baugh, Pryor aims to add a new dimension to Florida's ground game.
Luke Harpring, TE (Georgia Tech)
Luke Harpring is another former Yellow Jacket who followed Faulkner to Florida, bringing familiarity with the offensive scheme. With 13 catches for 158 yards last season, Harpring is poised to take on a bigger role. His understanding of the playbook could be a significant advantage, positioning him as a key contributor in the Gators' passing attack.
Mason Clinton, DL (Southern Miss)
For Coach Sumrall, establishing a tough, physical presence on the defensive line is paramount, and Mason Clinton fits the bill. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 300 pounds, Clinton brings size and strength to the interior.
His 16 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss at Southern Miss highlight his potential impact. This spring, Clinton will need to showcase his ability to challenge projected starter Jamari Lyons and earn his place in the rotation.
As the Gators prepare for the upcoming season, these players have the opportunity to make a significant impact. With a mix of talent and determination, they aim to solidify their roles and help propel Florida to success under Coach Sumrall's leadership.