DJ Lagway Heads to the Portal - Could Aaron Philo Be Florida’s Next QB Target?
Monday morning brought a bit of a jolt to Gator Nation. DJ Lagway, the former 5-star quarterback and one of Florida’s most highly touted recruits in recent memory, officially announced his intention to enter the transfer portal. It’s a move that reshapes the quarterback room in Gainesville and puts new head coach Jon Sumrall on the hunt for a fresh face to lead his offense.
And while there will be no shortage of names floating around the portal, one in particular is already drawing attention: Georgia Tech’s Aaron Philo.
Philo, a 6-foot-2, 220-pound quarterback, just wrapped up his second year in Atlanta. He’s seen limited playing time so far, sitting behind Haynes King, but the buzz is building around what he could do with a full-time role. According to reports, Florida is keeping close tabs on the young signal-caller, and there’s a very real possibility that Sumrall could make a push to bring him to the SEC.
Why Aaron Philo?
Let’s start with the obvious: Philo is talented. He was a member of Georgia Tech’s 2024 signing class and is heading into what would be his third season in college football.
While he hasn’t had a full season to showcase his skills, the glimpses have been intriguing. In two appearances this past season, Philo threw for 373 yards and a touchdown - not eye-popping numbers, but enough to suggest there’s something to build on.
He’s also expected to be Georgia Tech’s starting quarterback next fall, which makes this situation all the more interesting. After waiting behind King, Philo is finally in line to take the reins. So why would he consider leaving now?
Well, there’s a connection in Gainesville that could change the equation.
The Buster Faulkner Factor
One name that could play a major role in all of this is Buster Faulkner, Florida’s new offensive coordinator. Before joining Sumrall’s staff, Faulkner was at Georgia Tech - the same program where Philo has been developing. That familiarity could be the key.
Faulkner knows what Philo brings to the table. He’s worked with him, helped shape his growth, and clearly saw enough in the young quarterback to believe in his potential. If Florida is looking for a plug-and-play option with upside, Faulkner could make a compelling case to Philo: come to Gainesville, reunite with a coach who knows your strengths, and take the reins of an SEC offense looking for a new identity.
What Comes Next?
As of now, Philo hasn’t officially entered the transfer portal. That window opens in early January, and until then, it’s all just conversation.
But the interest from Florida is real, and the pieces are in place for a potential move. Sumrall and Faulkner are reshaping the Gators’ offense, and with Lagway now out of the picture, there’s a clear opportunity for someone new to step in.
Whether Philo decides to stay at Georgia Tech and take over as the Yellow Jackets’ starter - or follow his former OC to Gainesville - remains to be seen. But make no mistake, this is a storyline worth watching as the portal carousel starts spinning again.
The Gators need a quarterback. Philo might just be the guy they’re eyeing to fill that void.