Florida Gators fortify their quarterback room with transfer portal commit, can feel comfortable if DJ Lagway gets injured
After losing their first transfer portal commit at quarterback in DeShawn Purdie, the Florida Gators found their veteran backup quarterback for the 2025 season by securing a commitment from Louisville quarterback Harrison Bailey. He visited the Gators over the weekend. It was a wild few weeks. The Gators got a commitment from true freshman Purdie […]
After losing their first transfer portal commit at quarterback in DeShawn Purdie, the Florida Gators found their veteran backup quarterback for the 2025 season by securing a commitment from Louisville quarterback Harrison Bailey. He visited the Gators over the weekend.
It was a wild few weeks. The Gators got a commitment from true freshman Purdie after he left Charlotte with the idea that he would compete to be QB2 and potentially be the starter in 2027. He allegedly thought he would compete in 2025 to start over DJ Lagway and decided to re-enter the transfer portal.
QB Harrison Bailey commits to the Florida Gators
Bailey has been through the ringer when it comes to the world of college football. He initially committed to the Tennessee Volunteers and played his first two seasons in Knoxville.
After leaving Knoxville, he spent the 2022 season with the UNLV Rebels and the last two seasons with the Louisville Cardinals. Bailey wasn't the starter for the Cardinals, as head coach Jeff Brohm prioritized fellow transfers Jack Plummer and Tyler Shough the last two seasons.
The 6'-5 Bailey has appeared in 19 games over his career, completing 63.2% of his passes for 1,190 yards, 10 touchdowns and three interceptions. He also started the Sun Bowl against the Washington Huskies and led them to a 35-34 win with 164 yards passing and three touchdowns.
Having a veteran presence is going to be huge for Lagway in taking that next step. With Bailey's experience, he will be a valuable asset to Lagway on the sidelines and in the meeting rooms over the course of the season.
Bailey will compete with returning quarterbacks Aidan Warner and Clay Millen and four-star signee Tramell Jones. Bailey has one season of eligibility remaining, so this isn't a long-term solution. However, the Gators don't need something long-term, just for 2025.
