The QB efficiency conversation around Florida is missing the actual problem. Everyone points at the raw numbers and says the quarterback play was bad. That is lazy. Florida ranked 87th in passing efficiency inside the red zone last season. That is a scheme and execution problem, not a talent problem. The Gators completed less than 50 percent of their passes inside the 20-yard line. You cannot win SEC games with that number regardless of who is taking the snaps.
The offensive line cannot be ignored here either. Florida gave up pressure on 32 percent of dropbacks in the red zone per PFF. When your quarterback is getting hit before the route develops in tight spaces, the efficiency numbers are gonna crater. The new offensive line additions through the portal and recruiting class should help that number drop significantly. If the pocket holds for an extra half second, the completion percentage inside the red zone jumps by at least 10 points based on league averages.
The quarterback room also has more mobility now. Florida's QBs had a QBR of 48 on scrambles last season. That is bottom half of the SEC. The new additions bring legitimate dual-threat ability that changes how defenses have to play the red zone. When a defense has to account for the quarterback as a runner, the passing windows open up. That is basic math. Florida has not had that threat since 2020.
People want to write off the entire offense because DJ Lagway left. That is short-sighted. The infrastructure around the quarterback is better now. The offensive line has more depth. The skill positions have more speed. The scheme is being adjusted to fit the personnel instead of forcing the personnel to fit the scheme. Florida's passing efficiency will look completely different this fall. The numbers from last season are not predictive of what is coming.