Five Gators will be held out of the season opener due to disciplinary issues, including star cornerback Loucheiz Purifoy and backup wide receiver Latroy Pittman, who a source told The Palm Beach Post will sit because they failed drug tests.
The suspensions were first reported by the Gainesville Sun.
When No. 10 Florida hosts Toledo today (12:21 p.m., WTCN-15), the team will be without two starters: Purifoy and middle linebacker Antonio Morrison.
In addition to Pittman, the Gators suspended two other back-ups, defensive tackle Darious Cummings and offensive lineman Quinteze Williams.
The Post confirmed those names independently through a source.
It was reported earlier that defensive tackle Jay-nard Bostwick was suspended, but that was incorrect. He is in uniform today and expected to play.
Coach Will Muschamp said earlier in the week Morrison would be the only one missing the game for disciplinary reasons. Morrison was arrested twice in the offseason, and his suspension was announced in July.
Purifoy, a junior, is the biggest name benched. He is one of the top cornerbacks in the nation and also was part of the Gators’ plan on offense and special teams.
There was some indication early in the week that UF had an issue with Purifoy. He was not listed as the clear starter on the depth chart, sharing his spot with senior Jaylen Watkins