Florida · SECAaron Philo named Florida’s starting quarterback for Florida Atlantic opener
The Georgia Tech transfer will open against FAU on Sept. 5, but Jon Sumrall said Tramell Jones remains prepared to start if called upon.
AUG 28, 2026
Aaron Philo will start Florida’s Sept. 5 opener against Florida Atlantic after coach Jon Sumrall said Tramell Jones made the competition close in camp.
Sumrall said Jones is expected to prepare as a starter and could start at some point.
“The beautiful thing that happened is Tramell got better and better and better, and man, we had a real competition,” Sumrall said.
Philo is set for his ninth career appearance after completing 59 of 102 passes for 938 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions in eight games.
Sumrall said Philo and Jones have similar enough skill sets that Florida would not have to drastically change its game plan if it turns to one or the other.
“We’re moving forward with Aaron Philo as our starter, but the other part that’s nice about it is both of those guys’ skillsets are similar enough that we don’t have to drastically change a game plan if we have to go with one or the other,” Sumrall said.
Florida finished 2025 at 4-8, including 2-6 in the SEC. Whether Jones plays against FAU, whether the Gators use both quarterbacks and whether Philo remains the starter beyond the opener remain unclear. Florida opens at home at 7:45 p.m. ET.