As the Florida Gators and newly-hired head coach Jon Sumrall begin to prepare for spring practices, the million-dollar question regarding the program’s quarterback position continues to be a hot topic amongst the fanbase.

Unfortunately for die-hard Gators’ fans, the question will likely go unanswered until the spring season.

Last week, Florida’s offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner appeared on an episode of the Gator Tales Podcast, and when asked about the starting quarterback position, Faulkner emphasized that everyone on the roster will have a shot to take over the reins on offense.

“There are several quarterbacks in the room,” Faulkner stated. “They all get a shot at it.”

With starting quarterback DJ Lagway entering the transfer portal this offseason, many believed that rising sophomore Tramell Jones Jr. would be next in line for the position. The former highly-touted recruit played in two games last season for the Gators, throwing for 191 yards and two touchdowns while completing 60 percent of his pass attempts.

However, Jones’ hype for becoming the next starting quarterback took a huge hit this offseason after the addition of former Georgia Tech backup quarterback Aaron Philo in the transfer portal.

Philo, who spent the last two seasons sitting behind Haynes King, was able to develop under Faulkner throughout his time with the program. His familiarity with the Gators’ newest offensive coordinator clearly gives him an upper hand over Jones, but Faulkner and the rest of the coaching staff continue to make the point that Florida will have a classic quarterback competition before the 2026 season.

In addition to discussing the future plans at the quarterback position, Faulkner also gave some insight into how he wants the offense to operate, stating that he has “a pretty good idea” of what he wants to look like next year.

“One thing about being at the University of Florida is that there’s not going to be a lack of speed,” Faulkner claimed. “So we’re always [are] going to be able to get guys that can run, catch, and make plays after the catch. We have great running backs. [Florida] has always had them here, and we have to continue to get them here. So, I got a pretty good idea of what I want [the offense] to look like.”

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