Post-Spring Camp Projected Depth Chart

Gator Country provides its post-spring camp projected depth chart.

Quarterback

Starter: R-Fr. Tramell Jones Jr.

Backup: R-So. Aaron Philo

Third string: Fr. Will Griffin or R-Jr. Aidan Warner

Others: R-So. Aaron Williams

Analysis:

Florida’s quarterback battle between Philo and Jones Jr. will be the talking point of the offseason. They’ve battled all spring, with nobody clearly separating themselves. There really should be an “OR” between their names, but there’s no fun in that.

It appears Jones Jr. has closed the gap on whatever head start Philo had due to his multiple years of experience in the offense. From what I’ve been able to observe and hear during spring, I believe Jones Jr. had the slightly better camp, although this race is still a long way from over.

Running back

Starter: Jr. Jadan Baugh

Backup: R-Fr. Duke Clark

Third string: Evan Pryor

Others: Fr. Bryon Louis and R-Jr. London Montgomery

Analysis: 

Everyone knows Jadan Baugh will start for the Gators this fall, but the backup RB battle has been an interesting one to follow. Redshirt freshman Duke Clark has made tremendous strides, and I believe he is the front-runner for the role. Florida will use its running backs in different ways, perhaps even implementing some two-running-back sets, which we saw during spring camp. This gives players like Evan Pryor a chance to be used on the perimeter or as a third-down back. The Gators are deep at running back with unique skill sets within the group. It will be interesting to see how Florida plans to maximize this in 2026.

Wide receiver

X: R-Fr. Dallas Wilson, R-Jr. Micah Mays Jr., R-Sr. Kahleil Jackson, Fr. Marquez Daniel

Y: So. Vernell Brown III, R-Jr. Bailey Stockton, Fr. Davian Groce, R-Fr. Ace Ciongoli

Z: Sr. Eric Singleton Jr., R-So. TJ Abrams, Fr. Justin Williams, Sr. Jaylen Lloyd

Analysis:

Probably the position group with the most upside. Florida has five wide receivers it feels really good about: Vernell Brown III, Eric Singleton Jr., Dallas Wilson, Micah Mays Jr., and Bailey Stockton. There will be a battle for playing time after that.

Tight end

Starter: R-So. Luke Harpring

Backup: R-So. Amir Jackson

Third string: R-Jr. Lacota Dippre or R-Jr. Evan Chieca

Others: R-Fr. Micah Jones, Fr. Heze Kent, Fr. Hank Brown Jr.

Analysis: 

Jon Sumrall has stated that Luke Harping is the most well-rounded tight end, which is why I’ve penciled him in as the starter after spring. Amir Jackson provides Florida with a vertical threat, and the staff can use him out wide as a receiver.

Offensive line

LT: R-So. Eagan Boyer, R-Jr. Caden Jones, R-So. Fletcher Westphal

LG: Sr. Knijeah Harris, R-Jr. Roderick Kearney, R-Fr. Daniel Pierre Louis

C: Jr. Harrison Moore, R-So. Jason Zandamela

RG: R-Jr. TJ Shanahan Jr., R-Jr. Bryce Lovett, R-Fr. Daniel Pierre Louis

RT: R-Jr. Caden Jones or So. Emeka Ugorji, R-Fr. TJ Dice Jr.

Others: Fr. Javarii Luckas, Fr. Desmond Green, R-So. Mark Faircloth, Fr. Tyler Chukuyem,

Fr. G’Nivre Carr, Fr. Chancellor Campbell, Fr. Corey Brown

Analysis: 

The battle at both offensive tackle spots is arguably more important than the quarterback race. Eagan Boyer, Caden Jones, TJ Dice Jr., and Emeka Ugorji are fighting for two spots. Caden Jones has been working at both left tackle and right tackle. It’s important to note that Fletcher Westphal missed all of spring with an injury, and he was thought to be someone who would compete for the position as well.

DEFENSE 

Defensive line

JACK: So. Jayden Woods, Fr. KJ Ford or R-Sr. Kofi Asare

NT: So. Joseph Mbatchou, R-Jr. DK Kalu So., R-Sr. Jamari Lyons

DT: R-Jr. Brendan Bett, So. Jeramiah McCloud, R-Jr. Mason Clinton

End: Sr. Emmanuel Oyebadejo, Sr. Kamran James or R-So. LJ McCray

Analysis: 

Florida could have a lot of moving pieces up front, with different packages and versatility along the defensive line. The JACK position is secured by Jayden Woods, and I feel good about Brendan Bett and Joseph Mbatchou manning the middle. Emmanuel Oyebadejo is the wild card at field end because he’s versatile enough to move inside, allowing Kamran James or LJ McCray to see the field at end. There will be a battle for snaps at defensive tackle, but McCloud and Kalu have stood out to me as primary depth pieces.

Inside linebacker

MIKE: Jr. Aaron Chiles, Sr. Jaden Robinson, Fr. Malik Morris

WILL: Jr. Myles Graham, R-Fr. Myles Johnson, R-Fr. Ty Jackson

Others: R-So. Matthew Kade, R-So. Evan Jackson, R-Sr. TJ Bullard, R-Fr. Dylan Leighton

Analysis: 

Florida’s linebacker room is the strength of the defense right now, featuring a strong blend of talent and experience in 2026. Chiles, Robinson, and Graham have all rotated at both WILL and MIKE, while Robinson and Graham have also seen time at SAM. The Gators want to get their best players on the field, and in certain packages, all three could be on the field at the same time.

Cornerback

CB: R-Jr. Dijon Johnson, So. J’Vari Flowers, R-Fr. Onis Konanbanny

CB: R-Fr. Ben Hanks III, R-Jr. Cormani McClain, Sr. Jordy Lowery

Others: Fr. CJ Bronaugh, Fr. CJ Hester, R-Sr. Javion Toombs, R-So. Vincent Brown Jr.

Analysis: 

Another competitive position group battle is in the cornerback room. Dijon Johnson and Cormani McClain return as starters, but Sumrall has noted that Ben Hanks III has been the most consistent cover corner this spring. J’Vari Flowers flashed late last season and is an immensely talented player.

Johnson missed the start of spring camp but returned and looked sharp. Cormani McClain had a great spring camp.

Safety

SS: Sr. Bryce Thornton, So. Drake Stubbs, So. Lagonza Hayward

FS: Jr. Cam Dooley, Sr. DJ Coleman, R-Fr. Alfonzo Allen Jr.

Others: Fr. Kaiden Hall, R-Jr. Brayden Slade

Analysis: 

Florida is working Bryce Thornton, Cam Dooley, and DJ Coleman at safety. I expect Coleman to also see time at the STAR position with Kanye Clark. The Gators will want Drake Stubbs and Lagonza Hayward to take a second-year jump, giving them more depth at safety.

STAR / NICKEL

Starter: R-So. Kanye Clark

Backup: Sr. DJ Coleman

Third string: So. Elijah Owens or Fr. Dylan Purter

Analysis: 

Florida’s staff has raved about UCLA transfer Kanye Clark, and he flashed during Florida’s spring game. Despite a lack of size, Clark is the most physical nickel Florida has had in recent years. Coleman should also see time at STAR.