Florida Football’s Warner Impresses In Spring Game

Aidan Warner put on an impressive showing for the Blue Team in the Florida Gators annual Spring Game. The walk-on transfer from Yale has seen first-team reps in practice this spring as returning starter DJ Lagway has been nursing a shoulder injury, and the extra reps showed.

Warner completed 10-23 passes for 157 yards to go with two touchdowns. Attempting his first passes in the Swamp since he threw one pass against Kentucky last season, Warner looked comfortable and confident.

Aidan Warner to true freshman WR Vernell Brown pic.twitter.com/oqBBSwl6E3

— Gentry Hawk (@GentryHawkGC) April 12, 2025

Last season Warner saw action across four different games, but was thrown into the fire against the Georgia Bulldogs. After Lagway went down in the second quarter, it was up to Warner to try to maintain the Gator lead. He was able to lead a touchdown drive, but also threw an interception.

He was called upon, again, the next week against Texas, but was overmatched against one of the best defenses in the SEC. Texas was able to hold him to just 132 yards passing, as well as picking him off twice. These were both difficult spots for Warner, as going from not many reps to playing two of the best in the SEC is a tall task.

In The Game

In the Orange and Blue game, Warner was able to connect with Aidan Mizel for a 24-yard touchdown. Mizel took the short out route to the house, but Warner put it on him in the right spot. Warner also connected with Hayden Hansen for an eight-yard score. Multiple Gators receivers got looks from Warner, but his favorite target was Freshman Vernell Brown III. The five-star wide receiver is a part of a highly-touted class for the Gators that also includes five-star Dallas Wilson. Brown led the Blue Team with four catches for 34 yards.

Join the celebration again, this time for an Aidan Warner to Aidan Mizell TD connection. pic.twitter.com/yXeaAKzSKS

— Dylan Olive (@DylanOlive_UF) April 12, 2025

Warner was also helped by a strong running game. Ja’Kobi Jackson was a star, rushing for 198 yards and three touchdowns. Jaden Baugh added 56 yards in his own right. If the running game can remain this strong into the regular season it will take a lot of pressure off of whoever is playing quarterback.

Warner will be competing with Harrison Bailey for the role of backup quarterback. Bailey, a transfer from Louisville, showed out in the spring game as well. This competition will be something to keep an eye on entering the fall.