Florida guaranteed a QB competition after key prospect announces his return

A day after getting bad news regarding Jayden Woods stating entering the transfer portal, the Gators got news that allowed them to breathe a momentary breath of fresh air when it was announced on Tuesday that Tramell Jones Jr. will be returning to the University of Florida, ensuring the Gators will have a quarterback battle this spring and into the summer.

The freshman quarterback has already impressed the coaching staff and fellow Gator teammates by his impressive practice mentality and professionalism. As we mentioned in a previous piece, he received praises from teammates like senior Jake Slaughter:

“I personally think Tramell is going to be a great football player,” said Slaughter. “The way he can move around in the pocket, the way he can get loose outside. His scramble drill, and it’s a bomb. Yeah, Tramell, he’s awesome,” praised Slaughter. “He works his tail off. He takes things seriously. You seem in a walkthrough, and it’s a game-day rep for him. So I’ve been very impressed,” said Slaughter ahead of the 2025 campaign.

His above-average performance in the fall earned him the No. 2 spot behind DJ Lagway when the Gators opened their season. He beat out Aidan Warner and Harrison Bailey for that spot and did not take it for granted. His professionalism and poise in the pocket that showed at practice carried onto the field when Billy Napier and Billy Gonzalez called his name to take the snaps at center.

Jones Jr. appeared in two games for the Gators in 2025, throwing for 191 yards and two touchdowns, completing 21-of-35 passes. His collegiate debut came in the Gators’ opener against LIU. With the Gators ahead, Napier brought him in the second half. He completed 12-of-18 passes for 131 yards and two touchdowns, giving Gator fans hope that behind Lagway, they were ok because the rookie was the real deal.

He went on to take all the snaps in the second half of Florida’s matchup against Kentucky on the road in a hostile environment. He was 9-for-17 in that game, going for 60 yards.

There have been rumors and talks that the Gators could pursue a quarterback, or possibly even two, through the transfer portal.

They have the incoming prospect Will Griffin also coming into Florida in the fall, and he could be a good fit for Buster Faulkner’s offense, but many think it would be surprising for him to get the job right off the bat, especially after how Jones did behind Lagway last season.

But Griffin also comes in with a full package and a strong running ability, giving him an early nickname of “the next Tim Tebow.”

The one fact that is for sure is that Jones Jr. returning just guaranteed there will be a quarterback battle for the No. 1 spot on Coach Jon Sumrall's first Florida roster. But the question is, how many quarterbacks will be battling it out in the summer? The transfer portal opens on Friday, and some of those questions will be answered soon enough.