The Florida Gators are turning the page on a turbulent chapter and stepping into a new era with Jon Sumrall now at the helm. After moving on from Billy Napier, Florida made a bold move by hiring Sumrall away from Tulane - a coach known for his energy, toughness, and ability to build culture. And make no mistake: the Gator faithful are hoping he’s the one who can finally steer this program back to national relevance.
But if Sumrall’s going to flip the script in Gainesville, he knows there’s one mountain he has to climb - and it’s wearing red and black. Georgia has owned the rivalry for the better part of a decade, and the Bulldogs aren’t showing any signs of slowing down.
That’s the reality facing Florida’s new head coach. The path to the top of the SEC East still runs through Athens.
And the challenge just got steeper.
Florida’s top quarterback talent, DJ Lagway, is heading for the transfer portal. That’s a significant blow for a team trying to build momentum under a new regime. Lagway was seen as a foundational piece for the future, and now Sumrall and his staff are tasked with finding a new leader under center - fast.
Enter Aaron Philo.
Florida’s reportedly zeroing in on the Georgia Tech backup as a potential answer at quarterback. It’s an intriguing move for a few reasons.
First, Philo isn’t a household name - not yet, anyway. He’s thrown for 938 yards and two touchdowns over two seasons in Atlanta, and he’s yet to earn a full-time starting role.
But the Gators’ interest in him isn’t coming out of nowhere.
Florida’s new offensive coordinator just came over from Georgia Tech, so there’s already familiarity with Philo’s game. That kind of continuity could be key as the Gators try to install a new system and rebuild their offensive identity. If you’re a new staff looking for a quarterback who understands your playbook, Philo makes a lot of sense.
And there’s another layer to this story.
Philo is a Georgia native - and he never got an offer from the Bulldogs. That detail might not seem huge on the surface, but for a competitor, that kind of slight can stick with you.
If Philo does end up in Gainesville, and if he earns the starting job, don’t be surprised if he circles that Georgia game on the calendar. Rivalry games are always intense, but this one could have a little extra juice.
From a recruiting standpoint, this would be a savvy pull for Florida. Philo was a three-star recruit coming out of high school, and while he hasn’t had a breakout moment yet, the Gators clearly see something in him. Whether it’s his arm talent, football IQ, or ability to lead, Sumrall and his staff seem to believe he could be more than just a depth piece - they’re betting he can be the guy.
Of course, there’s still a lot that needs to happen. Philo hasn’t officially entered the portal, and even if he does, there’s no guarantee he ends up in Gainesville.
But the interest is real, and the fit is there. For a Florida program trying to reset its trajectory, landing a quarterback who already knows the system - and has something to prove - could be exactly what they need.
The Gators are rebuilding, no question. But they’re doing it with intent. And if Aaron Philo ends up leading the charge, the next chapter of this Florida-Georgia rivalry might be more competitive - and more personal - than it’s been in years.