Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson: ‘Right now, I’m a Gator’

Update, 8:30: Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson tried to clear the air Saturday evening, a few hours after he didn’t directly say whether he had any interest in transferring.

“I am a Florida Gator, through and through,” Richardson posted on Twitter.

Our initial story is below:

After leading an unsuccessful second-half comeback off the bench Saturday at LSU, Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson had a chance to put Gator fans at ease about his long-term future.

He didn’t.

The redshirt freshman was asked after No. 20 Florida’s 49-42 loss whether there’s a chance he could transfer if he doesn’t become the starter at some point.

“I can’t really speak on that,” Richardson said. “Time, time is the only thing that can tell, but right now, I’m a Gator. So that’s the only thing that matters.”

Richardson’s future has been the subject of major interest across the state and country. That will only increase after his four-touchdown (three passing, one rushing) performance in the loss. It’s common for talented quarterbacks to transfer if they’re not starting.

The former Gainesville Eastside High standout has backed up Emory Jones this season, even when Richardson was starring as a reserve in the first few games. A hamstring injury and stiffer competition decreased his role, until Saturday.

Coach Dan Mullen said Richardson “got hot,” which is why the Gators stuck with him after Jones’ second interception. Mullen was noncommittal about who would start in the next game, against top-ranked Georgia on Oct. 30. But even that nonanswer left the door open more than his usual responses.

Richardson, who chose Florida over Georgia, Michigan and Penn State when he signed in 2020, didn’t say whether he thinks he deserves to take over the job.

“That’s not my time or opinion to speak on,” he said. “I just was out there playing. Coach Mullen put me out there. He trusts me enough to play. That’s what I was trying to do.”

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