Florida releases QB Jeff Driskel

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The Birmingham Bowl might be the last game quarterback Jeff Driskel plays in a Floridauniform.

New Gators coach Jim McElwain confirmed before Saturday's game that Driskel has asked for and received a release from his scholarship.

"That's up to him," McElwain said on Driskel's possible return. "We all have choices, and I'm not going to hold him hostage."

Driskel, a junior, graduated over the summer, making him free to play right away wherever he chooses to go.

The former five-star recruit began the season as the starter but lost the job to freshman Treon Harris following Florida's 42-13 home loss to Missouri. In seven games, Driskel threw for 1,092 yards with nine touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

Driskel made the trip to Birmingham for the Gators' bowl game against East Carolina. He made it into the game with the Gators up 28-17 in the third quarter after Harris left with what interim coach D.J. Durkin called an elbow injury that wasn't serious, even though trainers had been examing Harris' lower leg. Florida won the game, 28-20.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.