![Florida 2026-2027 quarterback Aaron Philo (12) throws during Florida football practice at Heavener Football Complex in Gainesville, FL on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]](/cdn-cgi/image/onerror=redirect,width=640,height=640,format=webp/https://storage.googleapis.com/uploads.mongoosehq.com/url/media/169765747/602cb0a2ad565b34573c4b5a2c365b6c33ebdadcd3d39bf15bf9139e7284afde)
Overview
- Coach Jon Sumrall announced Monday that Aaron Philo will start for the Gators in the Sept. 5 season opener against Florida Atlantic.
- Sumrall said Philo separated himself in camp by operating the offense more cleanly at the line of scrimmage and by executing Faulkner’s pre-snap shifts and motions.
- Redshirt freshman Tramell Jones Jr. will remain the primary backup and the competition is ongoing, with Sumrall stressing the Week 1 choice is preparatory rather than a permanent anointing.
- Philo has limited FBS experience but meaningful production, appearing in eight games at Georgia Tech with 938 passing yards, two touchdowns, three interceptions and a 21-of-28, 373-yard outing in his first start, and he retains three years of eligibility.
- The move gives Florida early scheme continuity as Sumrall begins a rebuild after a 4-8 season, and Philo will receive most first-team reps this week as he prepares for a challenging SEC stretch that tests whether he can provide stability at quarterback.