Drafting the Florida Gators' Roster Ahead of 2026 Spring Game

Ahead of Saturday's Spring Game, Florida Gators on SI's Cam Parker and Inside the Gators ' Mark Wheeler teamed up to do an honorary draft of the Florida Gators' 2026 roster.

How it worked was each team had to fill a 22-man roster with each player having to have played that position in spring camp to be selected for that spot (i.e., TJ Dice Jr. can be selected at either tackle spot but cannot play center). Additionally, there was no pressure to select certain positions early, with only one quarterback and one running back available for each team (i.e., if Aaron Philo is taken by one team, the other is under no obligation to take a quarterback right away and can wait until the very end).

Additionally, players who have battled injuries in spring and are unknowns for the game (Dallas Wilson, Myles Graham, etc.) were not available to take.

With that being said, here is a look at how the draft played out, what the teams look like and why each team made the picks they made.

The Draft

The Teams

Offense

Defense

Breaking Down Team Orange (Cam)

I decided, because of the question marks at offensive line and what we've heard at press conferences and from the scrimmages about the defensive line, to prioritize that first withJayden Woods, arguably the top player on the team besidesJadan Baugh, andBrendan Bett, who has garnered praise for being a spark for energy on defense.Emmanuel Oyebadejowas also hard to pass up despite other options available because of his size and his ceiling, andDK Kaluhas been a pleasant surprise, withGerald Chatmanhighlighting his play in camp on multiple occasions.

I will give Mark credit for his receivers, and ceding himVernell Brown III,Eric Singleton Jr., andMicah Maysmay not be my wisest decision, but I think I balanced that well withBen Hanks III, who has arguably been Florida's top corner in camp, and veteran players in cornerDijon Johnson and safetiesBryce ThorntonandCam Dooley.

Because I haveBaughand because of my lack of established deep-threat receivers, I decided to prioritize speed, yards after catch, and the rushing game.Bailey StocktonandDavian Grocegive Florida versatile options, whileAaron Philoreportedly had a strong rushing performance in the second scrimmage . It also helps that established veteranKnijeah Harris, system-familiar centerHarrison Moore,and guardTJ Shanahan Jr., who has also been praised for his aggressiveness, are leading my interior line.

Breaking Down Team Blue (Mark)

First off, I'll give Cam credit for building one of the stronger rosters over the 6-8 times I've held this draft. There were at least three occasions where he picked the player I intended to take with my next pick.

Good job!

These two teams were being picked to play one game, and then disbanded. So, we are living in the here and now - and not overly concerned with upside or down the road potential.

This is a what have you done for me lately type of draft.

That is why I looked for positional value.

For example, I tookKanye Clarkin the seventh round. Is Clark one of the 14 best players on the squad? Maybe not. But he is the only Star thatJon Sumrallhas praised several times. The dropoff from him to the other two makes him more valuable and definitely sets him apart from the other two Stars.

The same for wide receivers. Just this week, the coaches have talked about four or five being ready to play. I think I got the top three.

Orange squad'sBen Hanks IIImay have had the best spring of the cornerbacks, but he is but one player. That means we are going to seeBryce Thorntonand/orDylan Purtermatched up against one of my top three. I like my chances there.

In what probably looks like the biggest shock, since Orange tookAaron Philo, I could wait around and select my quarterback last. My options wereTramell Jones Jr.andWill Griffin. Jones Jr. has a year of experience on Griffin, but they both have had the same amount of time in this offense. Plus, I like Griffin more as a runner to move around or take off to avoid Woods.

This article was originally published on www.si.com/college/florida as Drafting the Florida Gators' Roster Ahead of 2026 Spring Game .