Luke Del Rio named starting quarterback for Florida’s season opener

Redshirt sophomore Luke Del Rio has been named as Florida’s starting quarterback for the team’s season opener against UMass, head coach Jim McElwain announced Thursday.

“Luke is going to work as the starter the rest of camp and start in the season opener barring any unforeseen development,” McElwain said. “Our other quarterbacks remain in the plans and are ready to move forward and help the Gators any way they can.”

Del Rio was up against graduate transfer Austin Appleby for the starting job. He will replace quarterbacks Will Grier and Treon Harris, who both transferred during the off–season.

GET READY TO COMPETE

Pick your champion (you can change it later). We’ll email you when brackets open.

No purchase necessary. 50 U.S./D.C. 18+. Entry opens 3PM ET Dec 6, 2026 and closes 8PM ET Dec 18, 2026. Void where prohibited.See for complete details. The College Football Playoff (CFP) is not a sponsor or administrator of this contest.

Del Rio started his collegiate football career at Alabama before spending a season at Oregon State. He transferred to Florida in the summer of 2015.

“It’s definitely something I’ve looked forward to,” Del Rio said last week of the chance to start for Florida. “Everybody is more comfortable in the offense. People say that a lot, but it really does matter. Summer workouts we really harped on the passing game.”

The Gators take on the Minutemen on Sept. 3 at home.

Add us as a preferred source on Google