Faulkner Backs Florida’s Current Quarterbacks for Now

Florida’s quarterback competition remains unsettled as the Gators near the end of the 2026 season, with Aaron Philo and Tramell Jones Jr. both getting chances in an offense that has struggled for consistency. Offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner said he wants to work with the quarterbacks already on the roster rather than hurry toward an outside addition through the transfer portal.

Faulkner said the staff has three games left to assess the position before the portal opens. He described quarterback development as a process that should not be rushed, and said coaching the players and helping them improve is the staff’s responsibility.

He pointed to experience as a major difference for young quarterbacks, citing Oklahoma’s John Mateer and his 45 career starts. Florida’s quarterbacks have far fewer, Faulkner said, and they need game experience to learn how to handle different defenses, make adjustments and respond to the pace of play.

The Gators’ remaining schedule includes Kentucky, Vanderbilt and Florida State. Kentucky allows 238.2 passing yards per game, ranking 108th among 138 teams; Vanderbilt ranks 81st and Florida State 110th. Florida’s last two opponents, Oklahoma and Georgia, rank 10th and 29th, allowing 170.7 and 186.6 passing yards per game, respectively.

The remaining games give Florida’s coaches more chances to judge the quarterbacks before the offseason. Faulkner’s current emphasis is development, though the team’s quarterback plans could be revisited when the transfer portal opens.