Gators quarterback Emory Jones will enter the transfer portal sometime over the next few days, sources have confirmed to Gator Country. He is still expected to play in the Gasparilla Bowl against UCF next week.
After serving as a change-of-pace option behind Feleipe Franks and Kyle Trask from 2018-20, Jones started 11 regular season games in 2021.
There were some great moments, such as when he was named the SEC Offensive Player of the Week after he became the first Gator since Tim Tebow to throw for more than 200 yards and run for more than 100 yards in the same game against Tennessee. He broke the school record with 550 total yards against Samford.
However, there were also plenty of low moments. He was benched in the second half against LSU after he threw his second interception. He momentarily lost his starting job to Anthony Richardson against Georgia but regained it the following week.
Jones threw three first-half interceptions against Florida State in the finale and was benched a few plays into the second half. With Richardson not available due to a surgery to repair his meniscus, Jones is expected to start against UCF.
Jones ranks second all-time in UF history for rushing yards by a quarterback, and his 696 yards this season are the third-most in a season.
Ultimately, though, Jones’ inability to consistently make smart decisions and take care of the ball — he’s thrown 13 interceptions this season — derailed his Gators career.
He’ll have two seasons of eligibility remaining at his next school.