Florida’s quarterback room just got a major shakeup. On December 15, DJ Lagway-Florida’s starting quarterback for the better part of two seasons-announced he’s entering the transfer portal. That’s a big domino to fall for a Gators team trying to build momentum under head coach Jon Sumrall and new offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner.
Lagway leaves behind 4,179 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and 23 interceptions in his Gators career. He was a dynamic playmaker, no doubt, but also inconsistent at times. Now, Florida’s next move under center becomes one of the most important decisions of the offseason.
So where do the Gators turn with Lagway on the move? Let’s break it down.
In-House Option: Tramell Jones Jr.
If there’s a frontrunner already in Gainesville, it’s rising sophomore Tramell Jones Jr. He served as Lagway’s backup in 2025 and saw limited but promising action.
The four-star recruit out of Mandarin High School in Jacksonville made his debut in Florida’s season opener against Long Island, completing 12 of 18 passes for 131 yards and two touchdowns in a 55-0 rout. Former head coach Billy Napier made it clear after that game: “Tramell has earned the job.”
Later in the season, Jones was called upon again-this time in a much tougher spot. Against Kentucky on November 8, Lagway was benched after tossing three interceptions.
Jones stepped in and went 9-of-17 for 60 yards. Not eye-popping numbers, but he held his own in a difficult situation.
From a grading standpoint, Jones showed real promise. His 71.7 passing grade from Pro Football Focus edged out Lagway’s 62.2, and his overall PFF grade of 65.6 was just a tick behind Lagway’s 66.4. He’s raw, but there’s enough there to suggest he could grow into the role with the right development.
The Freshman Phenom: Will Griffin
Then there’s the new kid on the block-Will Griffin. If you follow Florida high school football, you already know the name. Griffin is one of the most prolific quarterbacks in state history, and he’s bringing a serious résumé to Gainesville.
The consensus four-star recruit out of Jesuit High School in Tampa just wrapped up a senior season where he threw for 2,534 yards and 37 touchdowns. That capped a high school career that saw him rack up 12,299 passing yards and 143 touchdowns-good for second all-time in Florida history.
Griffin committed to the Gators back in June 2024 and officially signed on December 3. He’s got the tools, the production, and the pedigree.
But will Florida hand the keys to a true freshman in Year 1? That’s the question.
Transfer Portal Targets: Experienced Arms Available
If Sumrall and Faulkner want to go the veteran route, the transfer portal is already buzzing with options.
Sam Leavitt, formerly of Arizona State, is one of the most intriguing names. Over two seasons with the Sun Devils, he threw for 4,513 yards, 34 touchdowns, and just 9 picks.
On the ground, he added 749 yards and 10 touchdowns. Leavitt fits the mold of a dual-threat QB Faulkner has worked with before-most notably Haynes King at Georgia Tech, who consistently put up 2,000+ passing and 500+ rushing yards each season.
Aidan Chiles from Michigan State is another name to watch. He’s not as polished as Leavitt, but the upside is there.
In 2025, Chiles completed 63.1% of his passes for 1,392 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions, while adding 227 rushing yards and 6 scores on the ground. He’s got a big arm and athleticism to match.
Dylan Raiola, the former Nebraska quarterback and Georgia native, also entered the portal on December 15. He posted a 72.4% completion rate in 2025 with 2,000 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions. Raiola’s accuracy and poise make him a steady option for a team looking for a plug-and-play starter.
Beyond the headliners, there are a few other names with experience:
- Jaden Craig (Harvard) and Colton Joseph (Old Dominion) both produced at a high level, albeit against lesser competition.
- Kenny Minchey (Notre Dame) is a younger, less proven option, but he was in a tight quarterback battle in South Bend and could be a high-upside play.
Wild Cards: Familiar Faces to Watch
There are also a couple of quarterbacks who haven’t entered the portal-yet-but could be worth monitoring due to their connections with Florida’s coaching staff.
Aaron Philo at Georgia Tech is one of them. A former three-star recruit, Philo has played sparingly in relief of Haynes King but has impressed in limited action.
He’s completed 57.8% of his passes for 938 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions. Those numbers don’t jump off the page, but his PFF grades do-91.3 in 2024 and 80.0 in 2025.
Faulkner recruited Philo heavily out of high school and has spoken highly of him. “Philo is proving that he can go into game and tough situations and go deliver the football,” Faulkner said this past summer. That familiarity could be a factor if Florida wants a QB who already knows the system.
Then there’s Darian Mensah, who played for Sumrall at Tulane in 2023 and just led Duke to an ACC title. Mensah had a breakout 2025 season, completing 67.9% of his passes for 3,646 yards, 30 touchdowns, and only five interceptions. He earned an 89.6 PFF grade and has become one of the ACC’s most efficient and dangerous quarterbacks.
Sumrall’s admiration for Mensah is no secret. “If you play one snap, 100 snaps, 1,000 snaps for me, I’ll love you for the rest of my life,” he said in 2025. That bond could matter-if Mensah decides to explore his options.
Neither Philo nor Mensah have officially entered the portal, but if they do, expect Florida to be in the mix.
What’s Next for Florida?
With Lagway out, the Gators are staring at a three-pronged decision: roll with the in-house talent in Jones or Griffin, pursue a proven veteran through the portal, or take a swing on a familiar face with untapped potential.
Each path comes with its own risks and rewards. Jones has some experience but limited reps.
Griffin is a future star, but asking a true freshman to lead an SEC offense is a tall order. The portal offers more polished options, but chemistry and fit are always factors.
What’s clear is that Florida’s quarterback battle is just heating up-and with Sumrall and Faulkner steering the ship, don’t be surprised if the Gators make a bold move to find their next leader under center.