Florida‘s new offensive coordinator didn’t name a starting quarterback Friday. He didn’t need to.
Buster Faulker made something far more important clear. Reins of the Gators offense will remain unclaimed for now.
“There are several quarterbacks in the room. They all get a shot at it.”
The declaration sets the stage for what’s sure to be a highly anticipated tug-of-war for the job.
In an era where programs scour the transfer portal for plug-and-play starters, Florida is doing something different this spring. According to Faulkner, they’ll open the door and let the room decide who walks through it.
Spring Game 2k26 is set 🐊
🗓️ April 11
⏰ 12:00 p.m.
📍 The Swamp
🔗 https://t.co/l2VsLffdgs@Fl_Victorious | #GoGatorspic.twitter.com/VWRX6jmdi4— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) January 26, 2026
Faulker pledges offense will revolve around strengths of next starter
More importantly, Faulkner made it clear that the system will bend before the quarterback does.
The Broyles Award finalist made sure to stress that the offense will need to adapt instead of constraining the new starter, a philosophy that perfectly frames everything about the upcoming competition.
“We will play to the strengths of whoever that quarterback is… whoever gives us the best chance to win.”
Who’s in the mix
Georgia Tech transfer Aaron Philo enters with the natural advantage of familiarity. He’s operated Faulkner’s system before and comes with Division I game reps.
Faulkner lauded his extreme accuracy, pre-snap awareness, and pocket mobility. All signs point to Philo entering the Spring with momentum.
But the most intriguing name may be redshirt freshman Tramell Jones Jr., who was previously recruited by Faulker and has been the recipient of high praise for his high upside and arm talent. The offensive coordinator’s tone shifted to optimism when discussing Jones.
“I actually recruited him when he was a young kid. Thought he had extreme arm talent. He is around the building all the time. He is eager to learn… picking things up at a high level.”
Redshirt junior Aidan Warner rounds out the trio expected to take the bulk of first-team snaps when camp opens in just over a month’s time.
Spring camp opens on March 3 and the Orange and Blue Game is set to take place on April 11.
What Faulkner’s comments really mean
This isn’t just a quarterback competition, it’s a battle for the identity of this Florida offense. Because for the first time in several seasons, the Gators offense won’t be built around a returning starter. It’ll be built around who proves they are ready to embrace the challenge.
The playbook is waiting for the quarterback, not the other way around.
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: New Florida football OC Faulkner says offense to be built around QB
