Spring practice in the Gainesville area has drawn to a close, offering coaches a tangible snapshot of where each squad stands as the 2026 season looms.
Among the new arrivals, first‑year head coaches Cedderick Daniels and Ross Baker took their inaugural turns on the sidelines, watching drills and gauging readiness.
Veteran mentors Mark Whittemore and Ed Johnson, who have guided programs for years, used the session to fine‑tune schemes and evaluate the depth of their units.
At Buchholz, the Bobcats are intent on preserving their ‘Gritty, not Pretty’ defensive identity. Emerging playmakers Dracen Martin and Jayvyn Williams are already drawing attention for their disruptive potential.
The offensive line will receive a boost from transfer Bryce Daniels, a UAB‑committed prospect who brings size and experience to the trenches.
Quarterback Andrew Whittemore, a junior, has attracted offers from six Power‑4 programs, including Arkansas, and is slated to inherit the starting role after Tulane freshman Trace Johnson transferred out.
What to Watch in 2026
With spring drills complete, the focus now shifts to how these storylines will translate into on‑field performance when the regular season begins.