Florida has named its starting quarterback for Week 1 of the 2026 season.
Georgia Tech transfer Aaron Philo will get the nod over redshirt freshman Tramell Jones Jr. when the Gators take on Florida Atlantic to begin the season on Sept. 5. Philo followed new offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner from Atlanta to Gainesville.
"We are preparing for (Philo) to be the starter for Week 1," coach Jon Sumrall announced on Monday.
Philo has familiarity with Faulkner's system and saw game action (albeit limited) during his time with the Yellow Jackets. The redshirt sophomore appeared in eight games, starting one, and threw for 938 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions.
Florida HC Jon Sumrall has named Aaron Philo the starting quarterback. #Gators
“We are preparing for him to be the starter for Week 1.” Story: https://t.co/KS6jv8txQS pic.twitter.com/mxuRhGXnUV
— Andrew Abadie (@AndrewAbadie) August 24, 2026
His one start came against Gardner-Webb in 2025, when he threw for 373 yards, a touchdown, and an interception while completing 21 of 28 passes. He saw significant relief work in 2024, helping lead Georgia Tech to an upset win over Miami and a victory over NC State.
Florida opens the season with non-conference games against FAU and Campbell before a key road trip to play Auburn and fellow first-year coach Alex Golesh on Sept. 19.
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This article originally appeared on College Sports Wire: Aaron Philo named Florida's starting quarterback for Week 1 vs. FAU
