Depth Chart Thursday: Dissecting the Gators' Roster Amid Massive Spring Turnover

As the Florida Gators navigate the heart of Spring Ball & Recruiting 2026, new head coach Jon Sumrall is busy overhauling a roster that experienced unprecedented turnover following a disappointing 4-8 campaign in 2025. With 29 incoming transfers arriving and over 30 portal departures reshaping the locker room, predicting the two-deep depth chart is a daunting but necessary exercise for this edition of Depth Chart Thursday.

The Quarterback Battle

Following the portal exit of DJ Lagway to Baylor, the starting quarterback position remains officially unknown. Offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner is currently overseeing an intense, ongoing battle under center. The primary contenders are Tramell Jones Jr. and Georgia Tech transfer Aaron Philo, with Griffin also taking reps in the room. The April 11 Orange and Blue spring game, which ended in a 45-45 tie using a format that awarded defensive points for stops and turnovers, provided valuable snaps for the signal-callers, but a definitive starter has yet to emerge.

Offensive Playmakers

Despite the offensive roster attrition, Florida returns a solid core of skill players. Jadan Baugh, Dallas Wilson, and Vernell Brown III are key returning starters expected to anchor Faulkner's scheme. However, they will face immediate competition from a massive influx of transfer talent. Additions like Eric Singleton Jr., Evan Pryor, and London Montgomery are already making their presence felt and are expected to challenge for significant touches on the depth chart.

Retooling the Defense

Defensive coordinator Brad White has the luxury of returning several high-profile starters to his unit. Jayden Woods, Myles Graham, Cormani McClain, LJ McCray, Aaron Chiles, and Bryce Thornton give the Gators a formidable foundational core. This group will be heavily relied upon as the staff replaces substantial NFL talent. Florida made history in the 2026 NFL Draft with a player selected in every single round, led by standout defensive tackle Caleb Banks in the first round. Finding the next wave of trench warriors to replace Banks, as well as filling the voids left by departed defensive backs like Devin Moore, remains a top priority.

As the May weeks roll on, Sumrall and his staff will continue to evaluate every position. With the portal dust settling, the fierce competition at quarterback and across the defensive line will ultimately define Florida's starting lineup for the upcoming season.