The Florida Gators are turning the page on the Billy Napier era and betting big on Jon Sumrall to lead them into a new chapter. After a tough stretch that saw Florida struggle to keep pace in the SEC, the program is hoping Sumrall can inject new energy and direction into a team that’s been searching for consistency - especially in its annual rivalry with Georgia, a matchup the Bulldogs have owned for the better part of a decade.
Sumrall, fresh off a successful run at Tulane, brings a reputation for building tough, disciplined teams. But make no mistake - the road ahead is steep. Not only is Georgia still a powerhouse with national title aspirations, but Florida is also facing a major shake-up at the most important position on the field.
Star quarterback DJ Lagway is heading to the transfer portal, leaving a massive hole in the Gators’ offense. Lagway was expected to be the face of the program moving forward, so his departure puts Florida in scramble mode to find a new signal-caller. And it looks like they’ve zeroed in on a name that might raise some eyebrows - Georgia Tech’s Aaron Philo.
Philo isn’t a household name - not yet, anyway. He’s spent the last two seasons as a backup in Atlanta, logging just under 1,000 passing yards and two touchdowns.
But Florida’s interest in him isn’t random. Their new offensive coordinator, who just came over from Georgia Tech with Sumrall, knows Philo’s game inside and out.
That familiarity could be the key to unlocking a transfer that makes sense for both sides.
What makes this even more intriguing is Philo’s background. He’s a Georgia native who never got an offer from the Bulldogs coming out of high school. That kind of snub can stick with a player, and if he ends up starting for the Gators, it adds a little extra spice to the already fiery Florida-Georgia rivalry.
Philo was a three-star recruit - solid, but not flashy - and he’s still waiting for his first real shot to lead a college offense. Florida might be the place where he finally gets that opportunity.
If he does make the move to Gainesville, he’ll be stepping into a high-pressure situation with big expectations. But if Sumrall and his staff believe in him this much, there’s clearly something there.
For now, it’s a wait-and-see situation. But if Aaron Philo ends up under center for the Gators next fall, don’t be surprised if he brings a little extra motivation when the Bulldogs are on the other sideline.