Luke Del Rio's wait is finally over.
After transfers that led him from Alabama to Oregon State and finally to Florida, the son of Oakland Raiders coach Jack Del Rio -- a reserve quarterback at previous stops -- has been named the Gators' starter for the season opener against UMass.
UF coach Jim McElwain confirmed the decision Thursday.
"Luke is going to work as the starter the rest of camp and start in the season opener barring any unforeseen development," McElwain said. "Our other quarterbacks remain in the plans and are ready to move forward and help the Gators any way they can."
The Gators open the season at home against UMass on Sept. 3, and open their SEC schedule the following week against Kentucky.
Del Rio began his college career at Alabama as a walk-on in 2013, and then transferred to Oregon State, where he appeared in three games in 2014. Soon after Beavers coach Mike Riley left Oregon State for Nebraska, Del Rio transferred to UF.
He beat out Purdue transfer Austin Appleby to win the job. Del Rio was the clear front-runner for the starting role after closing spring practice with a 10-for-11 performance with two touchdown passes in the Gators' annual Orange and Blue game. Del Rio (6-foot-1, 213 pounds) was Florida's scout-team quarterback last season.
He'll look to settle what was a very unsettled position for the Gators last year, when freshman Will Grier and Treon Harris fought for the role. Grier took over as the starter, but was suspended for failing a test for banned substances and transferred to West Virginia in the offseason. Harris left the program in July, leaving the Gators without any significant experience at the position.
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