Billy Napier offers analysis of Florida QB room ending spring

DJ Lagway will be Florida’s starting quarterback when the regular season begins, but less is known about the rest of the quarterback room. Featuring mix of an incoming freshman, a transfer and a returner, the Gators do have some depth the star sophomore.

Tramell Jones, a four-star recruit, Harrison Bailey, a transfer from Louisville, and Aidan Warner, who saw same playing time in 2024 after Graham Mertz‘s injury, all suited up for the Gators throughout the spring to show who’s the best fit the second-string signal caller. Head coach Billy Napier revealed his thoughts on his quarterback room after Saturday’s spring finale.

“It’s competitive,” Napier said. “I thought — you guys watched the scrimmage today. I think those guys were very capable and I thought Aidan did a good job running his team and I think Harrison maybe a little bit of a slow start, the players around him, some drops. I think the protection at times could have been a little better, but in general, I was pleased. There were a few situations where we took sacks.

“I think we got to manage the pocket a little bit better, but, yeah. I feel good. Tramell got two possessions today. He’s probably 90% coming off the injury and then we’ll start over the teaching progression in summer A and I think that, obviously, will be big for him. So all three of those guys need to continue to improve.”

Bailey, who was the Sun Bowl MVP four months ago for his previous squad was the most impressive by the numbers on Saturday. He completed 29 of his 43 passes for 363 yards and threw one interception. Warner completed 10 of his 23 passes of 157 yards and two touchdowns in the first half as well.

For starting quarterback DJ Lagway, he’s been dealing with shoulder and lower body injuries throughout the offseason. He was limited on Saturday, and throughout the spring. Napier gave a positive update on his QB1 heading into the summer slate.

“When we start OTAs in June, he’ll be 100 percent,” Napier assured. “He’ll start throwing in a couple weeks.”

Lagway is expected be the full-time starter for the Gators in 2025 after he took over as the team’s starter halfway through his true freshman season last year after Graham Mertz went down with injury. He led Florida to a 6-1 record in seven starts and finished the year with 1,912 yards passing, 12 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

The next time fans will see Lagway in action will be during won’t be until Florida’s season opener on Aug. 30. The Gators will take on Long Island at home.