Florida Lands Commitment from Transfer QB Harrison Bailey
Bailey is expected to serve as the backup to rising sophomore DJ Lagway.
GAINESVILLE, Fla.— On Monday, the Florida Gators added veteran quarterback Harrison Bailey to their transfer portal class. Bailey, who is likely to become the backup to sophomore DJ Lagway, joins the team with one year of eligibility remaining.
The Gators faced depth concerns in 2024 after injuries to quarterbacks Graham Mertz and Lagway created a need for a reliable backup in 2025. Florida initially addressed this by bringing in Deshawn Purdie from Charlotte, but he later transferred to Wake Forest.
Bailey, who previously played for Tennessee, UNLV, and Louisville, quickly caught Florida’s attention after Purdie’s departure. The Gators arranged a throwing session with Bailey and hosted him for a visit over the weekend.
Standing at 6-5, 230 pounds, Bailey began his college career at Tennessee in 2020. During his two years with the Volunteers, he passed for 594 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions as the primary backup. He then spent the 2022 season at UNLV, throwing for 318 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. His final two years were spent at Louisville, where he accumulated 278 yards and four touchdowns.
Bailey, a 2020 recruit, received an extra year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 season and redshirted in 2021 after playing just once.
With Bailey’s commitment, Florida completes its quarterback depth chart, which includes Lagway, Bailey, 2025 recruit Tramell Jones Jr., and 2024 fourth-stringer Clay Millen. The team also retains walk-on Aidan Warner, who served as Lagway’s backup last season.
Bailey becomes Florida’s fifth transfer portal addition this offseason, joining punter Tommy Doman, receiver J. Michael Sturdivant, edge rusher Kofi Asare, and cornerback Micheal Caraway Jr.
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