Three Florida football position battles to keep an eye on this fall
Florida came out of the spring session with several key position battles unsettled. So, who gets the starting nod in 2026 and why?
Florida 's dilemma at quarterback has been the prevailing storyline as it relates to offseason position battles for the Gators . While the fight for signal-calling duties will be pivotal, other competitions could shape Florida's first season under Jon Sumrall. Another important question for the Gators focuses on left tackle.
The program lost Austin Barber to the NFL draft, leaving big shoes to fill in Phil Trautwein's unit. The former national champion and Gators alumnus will be in search of consistency and stability to backfill the tackle position. With Buster Faulker's offense built on timing and tempo, protecting the quarterback will be pivotal and a defining factor of the 2026 season.
Redshirt juniors Caden Jones and Eagan Boyer are projected to compete for these major roles on the line. At the linebacker position, the Gators lost experienced veteran Grayson Howard to the transfer portal, leaving Aaron Chiles, Jaden Robinson and Malik Morris competing for snaps on the weak side next to Myles Graham who is the expected starter. Last season, Howard and Robinson split starting duties before Howard's season was cut short due to an ankle injury.
Graham stepped into a leadership role last fall for Florida, emerging as a sophomore to wear the "green dot. " His 76 total tackles and five-and-a-half tackles for loss helped cement him as a star for Brad White's defense. Depth at wide receiver could pose the most intriguing battle in Gainesville.