New Story Spring Game + Recruiting Thread for Orange & Blue Game UPDATES

[JasonHigdon]

Spring Game + Recruiting Thread for Orange & Blue Game

Rosters for the Spring Game Below - What stands out to me? The amount of staff! Insane

I am starting a thread for any Spring Game/Recruiting talk so you can find it all in one place. NO INJURIES is the only thing I want to happen on Saturday. With over 150 recruits coming in, a lot will be going on tomorrow. I will reevaluate throughout the day in this thread. Go Gators.

UPDATES
DJ Lagway opened the game as the starter and handed it off to JaKobi Jackson. Aidan Werner came in the game and led the Blue team with a TD. He connected with Hayden Hansen for an eight-yard touchdown pass. He also had a 15-yard completion for VB3 and a 29-yard reception to J. Michael

Freshman WRs Dallas Wilson and Vernell Brown III lead their teams in receiving.

Ja'Kobi Jackson with a 23-yard rushing touchdown. 14-3 Blue Team

Wilson has 3 receptions for 68 receiving yards

VB3 has 3 receptions for 36 receiving yards


Second Half Starts:

The second half begins with Harrison Bailey completing a four-yard pass to Cameron Kossman

Harrison Baile working for the Orange team hits Tank and then Dallas Wilson for a first down....1st and 10 - Bailey overthrows Wilson and Dallas had a step for sure....Another incomplete pass to Wilson good coverage....still 28-10 Blue team.....Bailey under pressure blew the play dead No 15 has been up and down so far today. again, another pressure sack where he did not make a decision and get rid of the ball...22 came right up the middle applying pressure.....3rd and 23 now for the Orange team and a quick pass to Dallas Wilson for a nice gain but short he put someone on his tail with a HUGE stiff arm....They moved the ball down to the 25 and Baile with a strike to Tank Hawkins for the TD wide open down the middle of the field no one within 10 yards of him easy pitch and catch....Blue team up 28-17 with about five minutes left in the third --after a couple of incomplete passes brings up a 3rd and 20 for the Blue team...





Some of the Key Visitors Scheduled to Attend:

Ja Reylan Mc Coy 2026 Defensive End Four-Star, top 100 type of player, tells me he will bring his dad to the game this weekend. UPDATE - His travel plans cancelled due to bad weather in Memphis

Will Griffin, 2026 Quarterback Florida One of the top players on the big board, regardless of position, will return to The Swamp this weekend. He is recruiting his tail off, by the way! UPDATE - Told me he will spend a bit of time today at UF but has to head back home for Prom tonight.

Izayia Williams 2026 Linebacker Florida

Felix Ojo 2026 Offensive Tackle: What do they say? Get them on campus, and you have a chance? Hard to imagine this one leaving the state of Texas. He is the No. 3 Ranked Offensive Tackle in America.

Kekua Aumua 2026 Tight End: I love this kid's potential. "Rhino," told me he is bringing his mom, sister, and two of his RBs, Tyson Park and Trenard Roberts, big-time young players. UPDATE - "One thing I wanted to leave UF having was knowing how they use the TE in game. After that game they showed me how they prioritize the TE. Really grateful for the hospitality they showed and was beyond grateful to be back in Gainesville."

Tranard Roberts 2027 Running Back Loads of Talent!

Preston Ashley, 2026 Cornerback, Is another very talented player from Out of State who I do not think leaves Mississippi. UPDATE - "It was a very cool experience enjoyed myself."

Adam Balogoun Ali 2026 Linebacker: A very good-looking linebacker from the Sunshine State should be in town.

Graham Houston 2026 Interior Offensive Lineman
Mark Matthews 2027 Offensive Tackle
Kyson Mallard 2027 Interior Offensive Lineman
Anthony Howard Jr 2028 Running Back
Anthony Cartwright 2027 Tight End
Rahzario Edwards 2027 Tight End
Ahmad Hudson 2027 Tight End
Valdin Sone 2026 Defensive Tackle
Kendall Guervil 2026 Defensive Tackle
Tyson Bacon 2026 Defensive End Tennessee
Preston Carey 2026 Defensive Tackle
Vodney Cleveland 2026 Defensive Tackle
Frederick Ards III 2027 Defensive End
CJ Hester 2026 Cornerback -- UPDATE "It really was an amazing feeling just being here and knowing it was some legendary history here, and that's all the people and coaching, and staff was showing a lot of love here." CJ is with his dad today. He also said his dad thinks UF is a great place
Ayden Pouncey 2026 Safety

 

[JasonHigdon]

 

[JasonHigdon]

 

[JasonHigdon]

Give me the BLUE TEAM!

 

[GameTimer5]

Give me the BLUE TEAM!

Blue team looks to be starting offense? Orange starting D? I might take the ORANGE team if DJ ain’t throwing!

 

[bgator1]

Lots of good info....thanks.
Can't believe 150 recruits will be there.

 

[swampygator]

Spring Game + Recruiting Thread for Orange & Blue Game

Rosters for the Spring Game Below - What stands out to me? The amount of staff! Insane

I am starting a thread for any Spring Game/Recruiting talk so you can find it all in one place. NO INJURIES is the only thing I want to happen on Saturday. With over 150 recruits coming in, a lot will be going on tomorrow. I will reevaluate throughout the day in this thread. Go Gators.

Some of the Key Visitors Scheduled to Attend:

Ja Reylan Mc Coy 2026 Defensive End Four-Star, top 100 type of player, tells me he will bring his dad to the game this weekend.

Will Griffin, 2026 Quarterback Florida One of the top players on the big board, regardless of position, will return to The Swamp this weekend. He is recruiting his tail off, by the way!

Izayia Williams 2026 Linebacker Florida

Felix Ojo 2026 Offensive Tackle: What do they say? Get them on campus, and you have a chance? Hard to imagine this one leaving the state of Texas. He is the No. 3 Ranked Offensive Tackle in America.

Kekua Aumua 2026 Tight End: I love this kid's potential. "Rhino," told me he is bringing his mom, sister, and two of his RBs, Tyson Park and Trenard Roberts, big-time young players.

Tranard Roberts 2027 Running Back Loads of Talent!

Preston Ashley, 2026 Cornerback, Is another very talented player from Out of State who I do not think leaves Mississippi.

Adam Balogoun Ali 2026 Linebacker: A very good-looking linebacker from the Sunshine State should be in town.

Graham Houston 2026 Interior Offensive Lineman
Mark Matthews 2027 Offensive Tackle
Kyson Mallard 2027 Interior Offensive Lineman
Anthony Howard Jr 2028 Running Back
Anthony Cartwright 2027 Tight End
Rahzario Edwards 2027 Tight End
Ahmad Hudson 2027 Tight End
Valdin Sone 2026 Defensive Tackle
Kendall Guervil 2026 Defensive Tackle
Tyson Bacon 2026 Defensive End Tennessee
Preston Carey 2026 Defensive Tackle
Vodney Cleveland 2026 Defensive Tackle
Frederick Ards III 2027 Defensive End
CJ Hester 2026 Cornerback
Ayden Pouncey 2026 Safety

Orange & Blue Game, Presented by Florida Victorious: What You Need To Know

Fans in attendance will enjoy a gameday environment in the Swamp full of excitement, giveaways and a chance to win a custom Gators Club Car. Fans will also have the opportunity to support Gators student-athletes through Florida Victorious in a variety of ways.

• Gates Open at 11:30 a.m.
• General admission is free.
• Fans are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy all the pre-game activities.
• Pregame Gatorland Fan Fest on the west side of the North lawn opens at 10 a.m., where fans will be able to take their picture with the championship trophy and pick up the national championship poster.
• Fans can also pick up their national championship poster at select locations in the concourse.
• Gator Walk is scheduled for 10:20 a.m.
• Kickoff is at 1 p.m.
• Non-reserved parking on campus will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• One lucky Florida fan at the Orange & Blue football game will win a custom Gators Club Car, courtesy of Cart World Golf Cars. To be eligible, fans must be present at the game.
• UF Student Giveaway: The first 1,000 UF students will receive an exclusive Gators Trucker Hat courtesy of American Campus Communities.
• Orange & Blue Weekend: UF will feature six home events across four sports from April 10-13 throughout campus. Full schedule of weekend events.

Orange & Blue Game, Presented by Florida Victorious
Florida Victorious, the official NIL partner of the Florida Gators, is sponsoring the 2025 Orange & Blue Game on April 12. Fans can support Gator student-athletes by joining Florida Victorious, which recently launched a revamped website catered to you, the fans! With our close relationship with the University, coaches, and players, Florida Victorious is providing its members with behind-the-scenes, exclusive coverage, taking you inside the programs, and giving you a direct line to the young men and women who make the Gators great!

Join The Pregame Fun
Fans should visit Gators Fan Fest beginning at 10:00 a.m. hosted by Gators Sports Properties to enjoy live music, giveaways, interactive displays, and more.

Fans will also be able to take their picture with the championship trophy and pick up the national championship poster. Posters will also be available at select locations on the concourse.

Admission is FREE and it will be located on the North Lawn along University Avenue just outside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

National Championship Celebration
The national champion Florida men's basketball team will celebrate its season with Gator Nation on Saturday during an extended 30-minute halftime.

The event will include remarks from Coach Todd Golden and players talking with Voice of the Gators Sean Kelley, as well as highlights looking back at the Gators' incredible run to the title.

Gator Walk
Fans can cheer on the team as they arrive for Gator Walk on the north end of the stadium. Gator Walk begins at 10:20 a.m.

Once in the stadium, fans can enjoy connectivity with #GatorsWIFI and pre-game activities, such as fireworks, Mr. Two Bits, and the team entrances.

Post-Game Autographs
Florida Victorious members can participate in a post-game autograph event on the field with players and coaches from Florida Football. This event is reserved for Florida Victorious members only. You can join Florida Victorious today by visiting FloridaVictorious.com/Join.

Public Giveaways
One lucky Florida fan at the Orange & Blue football game will win a custom Gators Club Car, courtesy of Cart World Golf Cars. To be eligible, fans must be present at the game.

UF Student Giveaways
The first 1,000 UF students will receive an exclusive Gators Trucker Hat courtesy of American Campus Communities.

Game Format
The team will split into two squads, and they will practice and meet separately during a portion of the last week of spring camp. On game day, the teams will run out of separate tunnels using both the home and visiting locker rooms.

The game will feature four quarters, a 15-minute halftime and a running clock with the exception of the last four minutes of each half. The clock will also stop for penalties, change of possession and scores.

Competition between the two teams will serve as a way for fans to experience a Gators game day at the Swamp.

Gates Open at 11:30 a.m.
Gates at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium will open at 11:30 a.m. Gates 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 12, 15 and 18 will open for fan entry. General admission seating will be located on the west and east stands, as well as the lower north and lower south endzones.

Access to the premium seating will require tickets and is reserved for premium season ticket holders. Entries to premium seating begins at 11 a.m.

Premium season ticket holders can access their tickets by logging into their account via the Florida Gators App or at FloridaGators.com/myaccount.

Clear Bag Policy and Prohibited Items
In the interest of fan safety, the UAA's clear bag policy will be in effect at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium during this year's Orange and Blue Game.

Fans should also be familiar with the list of prohibited items at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and UF's clear bag policy.

Parking and Traffic
All non-reserved parking on campus, including Lots 114 and the Stephen C. O'Connell Center garage, will be available for general parking on a first-come, first-served basis.

Parking on the grass and sidewalks is not permitted and any vehicles doing so are at risk of being towed.

Tailgating
As a reminder, tailgating may only begin at 6 a.m. on gameday, it is not permitted in areas cordoned off by UF staff, and parking or additional tailgating spaces cannot be saved. A complete list of UF Tailgating polices can be found here.

Restrooms
Inside the Stadium: Please refer to the Stadium Map.

Outside the Stadium: Before entering the stadium, fans may utilize restrooms at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center Gate starting at 8 a.m. and also in the North Lawn starting at 9 a.m.

Family Restrooms are for those fans with small children and guests with disabilities, and are located on the West side of the Stadium inside the Gate 2 corridor between sections 6 and 8, and behind section 15.

Baby Changing Stations are located in various restrooms throughout Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

• North End Zone: Gate 8 (Women's) & Gate 7 (Men's)
• South End Zone: Gate 18 (Men's)
• East Side: Section 36 (Women's) & Section 40 (Men's)
• West Side: Gate 2 (Men's & Women's)

First Aid Stations are available at Gate 3, North Level 1, North Level 3 – Touchdown Terrace, East and Champions Club.

In-Game Experience and Traditions
The Swamp is home to one of the most unique environments in college football. Once in their seats, fans will be able to experience and take part in the traditions that make Gator Nation on of the most exciting fanbases in college football:

Honorary Two Bits
Join in one of the Swamp's most iconic moments prior to kickoff with the Celebrity "Mr. Two Bits" cheer. The honorary "Mr. Two Bits" for the Orange & Blue Game will be UF Student Body President John Brinkman!

Spring Football Team Awards
2025 Spring Football Team Awards will be presented following the game to current football student-athletes.

'I Won't Back Down' Tom Petty Tribute
Florida Gators fans honor Gainesville, Florida, native Tom Petty in between the third and fourth quarters by singing "I Won't Back Down," one of the late artist's biggest hits. The song first played on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017, against the LSU Tigers in which 90,000 fans sang along.

That is a lot of info Jason, thanks for all of your hard work!!!!

 

[GatorFan1020]

There seems to be some miscommunication going on…..

 

[KJGator24]

Still think it’s a crock of crap that none of it will be televised. Not a great way for an already widely disliked coach amongst the fan base to gain support!

 

[GatorFan1020]

Still think it’s a crock of crap that none of it will be televised. Not a great way for an already widely disliked coach amongst the fan base to gain support!

Of course you immediately think this is a Napier decision

 

[Hat1343]

Still think it’s a crock of crap that none of it will be televised. Not a great way for an already widely disliked coach amongst the fan base to gain support!

Napier is not unpopular amongst the majority of the fan base lol. Maybe within the fringe crazies on message boards, but certainly not the majority lol.

Go back to your hole and wait for something negative to happen.

 

[Bayou Gator]

Still think it’s a crock of crap that none of it will be televised. Not a great way for an already widely disliked coach amongst the fan base to gain support!

I think I detect a little "projection" going on here.

 

[jmiller007]

Not sure how the teams were picked but Blue has more top players on offense and Orange in defense. Maybe a 1 vs 1 and 2 vs 2 thing?

 

[gators4life24]

Going to head up there with the parents and the 2 year old and 10 month old. Got work done this morning and it is an absolutely beautiful day. Daughter got to go to Ole Miss game this year so she is excited to go back.

 

[Birt McGirt]

There seems to be some miscommunication going on…..

So we will atleast be able to listen on radio or no?

 

[Gator5000e]

So we will atleast be able to listen on radio or no?

Yes, currently on the WRUF app.

 

[KJGator24]

Napier is not unpopular amongst the majority of the fan base lol. Maybe within the fringe crazies on message boards, but certainly not the majority lol.

Go back to your hole and wait for something negative to happen.

You’re borderline Hellen Keller if you think he’s well liked throughout lol

 

[HRodriguez]

DJ Lagway opened the game as the starter and handed it off to JaKobi Jackson. Aidan Werner came in the game and led the Blue team with a TD. He connected with Hayden Hansen for an eight-yard touchdown pass. He also had a 15-yard completion for VB3 and a 29-yard reception to J. Michael

 

[jgrayhound1]

Not sure why'd they post highlights if they don't want people seeing players, but none of this really makes sense.

Regardless, here is the tweet with the highlight of Hansen's TD

 

[HRodriguez]

TOUCHDOWN GATORS!

Ja'Kobi Jackson with a 23-yard rushing touchdown. 14-3 Blue Team

 

[HRodriguez]

Vernell Brown III is looking good in the 1st quarter. Two catches for 27 yards including a big third down catch for 12 yards

 

[jgrayhound1]

 

[HRodriguez]

Harrison Bailey connects with Dallas Wilson with his first big catch for 31 yards

 

[HRodriguez]

Freshman DL Jalen Wiggins gets a sack on Bailey on third down to force a punt

 

[HRodriguez]

Aidan Warner completes a short pass to Jadan Baugh who runs it for 48 yards

 

[HRodriguez]

TOUCHDOWN GATORS!

Ja'Kobi Jackson with a 40-yard rushing touchdown. 21-3 Blue Team

Jackson has 82 rushing yards on five carries and two scores

 

[jgrayhound1]

 

[HRodriguez]

Tramell Jones Jr.'s first pass is completed to Dallas Wilson for 24 yards

 

[HRodriguez]

TOUCHDOWN GATORS!

Aidan Werner with a 24-yard receiving touchdown to Aidan Mizell. 28-3 Blue Team

 

[jgrayhound1]

 

[HRodriguez]

Naeshaun Montgomery with his first catch of the Spring Game for 15-yards

 

[HRodriguez]

Freshman WRs Dallas Wilson and Vernell Brown III lead their teams in receiving.

Wilson has 3 receptions for 68 receiving yards

VB3 has 3 receptions for 36 receiving yards

 

[HRodriguez]

TOUCHDOWN GATORS!

Waltez "Duke" Clark with a 1-yard rushing touchdown. 28-10 Blue Team

HALFTIME

 

[JasonHigdon]

 

[JasonHigdon]

Blue team putting it on them 28-10 right now.....VBIII looks real good. Sturdivant and Jakobi making plays.....they are showing a BB video right now cutting down the nets baby

 

[Ldgator]

We have talent all over the field now. Billy just needs to turn ‘em loose..

 

[JasonHigdon]

Second half is starting now at 2:40 PM

 

[HRodriguez]

The second half begins with Harrison Bailey completing a four-yard pass to Cameron Kossman

 

[HRodriguez]

Freshman LB Ty Jackson records a sack on Harrison Bailey

 

[HRodriguez]

TOUCHDOWN GATORS!

Harrison Bailey completes a 25-yard touchdown pass to Tank Hawkins. 28-17 Blue still leads