The Florida Gators will take the field for the first time under Jon Sumrall in the annual Orange and Blue spring game on Saturday at 12:00 p.m.
Gator Country highlights five position battles to watch during the spring game.
Quarterback
The biggest storyline of the offseason will be Florida’s quarterback competition between Georgia Tech transfer Aaron Philo and returning redshirt freshman Tramell Jones Jr., as the two have split first-team reps evenly throughout spring camp and neither has clearly separated himself.
As the staff has pointed out, Philo has the edge in understanding the offense, having spent two years in offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner’s system, which could ultimately go a long way in the decision. Both quarterbacks offer more than one might expect in the run game.
I’ll be looking for sound decision-making, poise in the pocket, and the ability to distribute the ball to Florida’s playmakers.
Offensive tackle
Florida’s offensive line is the second-biggest question mark of the offseason after losing three starters and replacing them through the transfer portal. The Gators are a much more inexperienced group in 2026 compared to years past, but under new offensive line coach Phil Trautwein, there’s a new wave of optimism in Gainesville—and for good reason.
The Gators have shuffled players around and experimented with different personnel groupings along the offensive line throughout the spring, and I expect that to continue in the Orange and Blue game. I feel pretty good about Knijeah Harris, Harrison Moore, and TJ Shanahan Jr. anchoring the interior, but both tackle spots remain a legitimate battle between Eagan Boyer, Caden Jones, TJ Dice, and Emeka Ugorji.
Cornerback
Florida’s cornerback room may be one of the most competitive units on the team as spring camp comes to an end. The Gators return starters Cormani McClain and Dijon Johnson, but the rise of redshirt freshman Ben Hanks III has made things interesting. Jon Sumrall has highlighted Hanks as the most consistent cover corner on the team throughout the spring.
The Gators also have sophomore J’Vari Flowers, who was thrown into the fire last season and flashed with his athletic ability and nose for the football, breaking up a combined three passes against Mississippi State and Florida State.
Florida also added redshirt senior Jordy Lowery, an East Carolina transfer that recorded 27 tackles, four pass break ups, two tackles for loss, and one forced fumble last season.
Multiple sources have told Gator Country that Florida’s cornerbacks have flashed throughout the spring, especially in their latest scrimmage, which was described as dominant.
Tight end
It’s unclear how Florida plans to utilize its tight ends in 2026. We’ve seen and heard about a variety of personnel groupings, including 21, 22, 10, and, of course, 11 and 12 personnel. That alone will be something to watch on Saturday.
The Gators’ tight end room is unique in that it features a variety of skill sets, but may not have a truly complete, all-around player. Amir Jackson is the vertical threat, while Lacota Dippre and Evan Cheica are more physical, run-blocking types. Luke Harpring has been described as the most well-rounded player in the group. Do any of the tight ends separate themselves? Will Florida deploy them in specific packages based on personnel groupings?
Backup running back
We all know Jadan Baugh is going to lead this running back group, but in a physical sport and league, having a stable of running backs is critical—and Florida has that and more.
The Gators added transfers Evan Pryor and London Montgomery, both of whom bring plenty of experience. However, the player generating the most buzz right now is redshirt freshman Duke Clark, who looks more explosive than he did as a true freshman.
Bryon Louis has also been mentioned a number of times this spring. Florida’s staff likes his ability as a power back.
It will be fun to watch this group on Saturday, as each possess a slightly different skill set. I want to see who can step up as the third-down back, and who can spell Jadan Baugh with home-run ability.