The Florida Gators are heading into 2026 with more questions than answers at the quarterback position - again. After losing DJ Lagway to the transfer portal, the Gators were forced to pivot quickly, and their solution came in the form of former Georgia Tech quarterback Aaron Philo.
But while Philo may be the early favorite to take the first snap under center this fall, don’t mistake that for a locked-in job. There’s a real competition brewing in Gainesville.
Philo arrives with ties to new offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner, who called plays at Georgia Tech and now joins head coach Jon Sumrall’s staff. That familiarity gives Philo a leg up in learning the system, but it doesn’t guarantee he’ll be the guy. The Gators’ staff is keeping the door open - and Tramell Jones Jr. is very much walking through it.
Jones, a redshirt freshman, stuck around through the portal shuffle, and there’s reason to believe that wasn’t just out of loyalty. According to reports, he was told he’d get a legitimate shot at the starting job. And based on what we’ve seen - albeit in a small sample size - he deserves that chance.
Jones appeared in two games last season, completing 21-of-35 passes for 191 yards and two touchdowns. Not eye-popping numbers, but enough to show poise and potential. He’s also been in the program longer, giving him a head start in terms of chemistry and familiarity with the locker room.
Philo, on the other hand, is a bit of a wild card. He never held a full-time starting role in his two years at Georgia Tech, and his numbers reflect that limited action: 59-of-102 for 938 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions. He was a three-star recruit coming out of high school - solid, but not the kind of pedigree that screams “can’t-miss.”
That’s not to say Philo can’t be the answer. His connection with Faulkner is meaningful, and the staff clearly sees something in him.
But he’s going to have to earn it. This isn’t a situation where the job is being handed over based on resume alone.
And let’s be honest - Florida needs to get this right. The Gators are coming off a 4-8 season and have now suffered four losing records in the last five years.
That’s a stretch of futility that rivals the worst in program history. After the disappointment of the Lagway era, the fan base is desperate for stability at quarterback - someone who can bring consistency, leadership, and, most importantly, wins.
So while Philo may have the inside track, don’t be surprised if Jones makes a serious push in spring and fall camp. The competition is real, and for Florida, that’s a good thing. This program can’t afford another misstep at the most important position on the field.
Bottom line: the Gators are still searching for their next QB1. Whether it’s Philo, Jones, or someone else entirely, the battle is on - and it’s one that could define the Jon Sumrall era before it even gets off the ground.