Florida Football has solidified its quarterback depth by adding veteran QB Harrison Bailey out of the transfer portal. Bailey, a former top 100 prospect from the class of 2020, brings experience and a familiar face to The Swamp as he joins the Gators for the 2025 season.
Bailey, who initially signed with Tennessee under Jeremy Pruitt, started against Florida in 2020 when the Gators defeated the Volunteers 31-19. In that game, he completed 14 of 21 passes for 111 yards and a touchdown before being replaced.
Since then, Bailey has traveled a winding road, playing for UNLV and Louisville, where he had limited opportunities. Most notably, he threw three touchdowns in the Sun Bowl to lead Louisville to a 35-34 victory over Washington.
Bailey is among the last group of players eligible for a sixth year of college football due to the COVID-19 eligibility rules. Billy Napier had Bailey throw for the coaching staff earlier in the week and liked enough of what he saw to extend a formal off to the verteran
With Bailey now in Gainesville, Florida addresses its need for a veteran backup quarterback after Deshawn Purdie chose not to come as DJ Lagway’s understudy. Bailey’s experience and leadership offer stability and competition for the QB room, including Clay Millen, Aidan Warner, and incoming freshman Tramell Jones.
BREAKING: Louisville transfer QB Harrison Bailey has committed to Florida, @SWiltfong_ reports🐊
— On3 (@On3sports) January 20, 2025
The former Tennessee, UNLV signal-caller was the No. 4 QB in the 2020 class behind Bryce Young, DJ Uiagalelei, and CJ Stroud. https://t.co/7GoicW7Z8B pic.twitter.com/0V8HjzrET0