Billy Napier Makes One thing Clear on Tramell Jones Jr. After Giving Equal Shot With $3.7M DJ Lagway

The future of Florida’s QB room took center stage in the 3rd quarter against Long Island. Yup, with the Gators cruising 38-0, freshman Tramell Jones Jr. finally got his shot. Cool and composed, he marched the offense downfield on a flawless drive. Then came the moment: a four-yard strike to TE Tony Livingston for his first career TD. And the score pushed Florida’s lead to 48-0. But more than the score, the play signaled the arrival of the Gators’ next man up. Now, while DJ Lagway flashed his potential, Billy Napier stood firm in his stance on Tramell Jones Jr.

Jones, a former 4-star prospect, looked sharp on the field. The Jacksonville native has shown poise and precision while backing up DJ Lagway. It was a taste of what Billy Napier and his staff envisioned when they brought him in as part of Florida’s 2025 class: a young QB with upside and the tools to grow behind Lagway.

At Florida’s postgame press conference on August 30, Billy Napier didn’t hold back when asked about Tramell Jones Jr. He said, “Tramell Jones has earned the No. 2 job.” Then Napier went on to break down Jones’ rise. “He’s really had a strong surge the last few weeks. We’ve seen him, as he got healthy and we started to give him more reps with the first and second unit. We saw him just kept getting better.” However, the Florida HC didn’t stop there.

“He’s a pure passer, man. He can really throw it. And he’s got velocity on the ball. The spin rate is impressive. And he’s a very accurate quarterback,” continued Napier. “I think you can see he’s got some savvy. Made a few plays with his feet, but in general, he’s impressed us, and he earned that job. You know, you’re in that role, so this is an opportunity to give him a lot of work.” Jones isn’t just the backup. He’s a rising talent ready to make his mark.

Florid QB DJ Lagway tore through the first half with three TD passes. While tailback Jadan Baugh bulldozed his way to 104 yards and a score. Given that, the 15th-ranked Gators looked every bit the dominant power-conference team they are. Long Island never stood a chance, as Florida ran over the FCS opponent in a commanding 55-0 season-opening rout. However, Tramell Jones Jr. didn’t earn the backup QB spot without a fight. The competition was fierce,

Billy Napier’s confidence in his backup QB

Tramell didn’t claim the backup QB spot without a battle. He’s been going head-to-head with redshirt sophomore Aidan Warner and senior transfer Harrison Bailey, and the competition has been fierce. But Florida coach Billy Napier hds full confidence in the young quarterback. “Tramell Jones is buzz-worthy,” mentioned Napier. “I think he has gotten more reps with the first and second units…we’ve increased the reps as he has done more and proven that he’s capable.” Napier also noted there’s still room to grow.

“(He’s) still got to operate much quicker, got to process quicker, communicate better…all those things need to improve. But throws a really good ball, he’s very accurate, he’s got arm talent and I think he’s a smart kid.” So, despite the challenges, Jones is proving he has the tools and mindset to succeed. Now, as Billy Napier enters his fourth year in Gainesville, a well-structured QB room seems to have eased the hot-seat pressure.

After a rocky 4-5 start last season, Napier silenced critics by winning the final four games. Given that, now, ESPN’s Pete Thamel noted, “The temperature on Billy Napier has cooled considerably, and the Gators have a top-flight quarterback and great expectations again.” In short, Florida’s rise, led by star sophomore Lagway, signals a bold statement: despite past doubts, Napier’s QB room is proving the critics wrong.