Florida Gators quarterback Emory Jones to enter name in NCAA's transfer portal

Florida redshirt senior quarterback Emory Jones' decision to return to UF was a short-term one.

According to a report from ESPN's Pete Thamel, Jones informed UF coaches Friday he intends to enter his name into the NCAA's transfer portal. Florida's third spring practice was Saturday.

The news was confirmed Saturday morning when the football team put out a statement. 

Jones initially intended to enter the portal in late December, but he never ultimately did file paperwork with the NCAA. With the chance that Anthony Richardson would be out for spring, in addition to the possibility of Jones' departure, the Gators brought in transfer quarterback Jack Miller III to compete for Florida's open quarterback competition. 

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"I want to thank Emory and his family for everything they've done for the Gators," said head coach Billy Napier. "I have had the honor to get to know his mother, Trina, and I have nothing but respect for her, Emory and the rest of his family. Emory has conducted himself with nothing but class and selflessness. It is not surprising that he has earned the respect of his teammates, coaches and this entire organization.

"I am proud of him for everything he's accomplished and for his commitment to complete his degree this spring. He is a young man with a bright future and I wish him nothing but the best."

Florida also signed four-star quarterback Max Brown out of Tulsa, Oklahoma, who will join the program in the summer. 

With Richardson fully cleared and ahead of schedule, and with redshirt freshmen Jalen Kitna and Carlos Del Rio-Wilson in the mix, too, Jones didn't have an abundance of opportunities to start spring camp. 

After initially appearing as if he'd return to the program for one more season, Jones is looking for a new home, marking the conclusion of his tenure at Florida.