Gators QB Aaron Philo Questionable vs. No. 7 Texas
Florida quarterback Aaron Philo may not be available for the Gators (4-2, 2-2 SEC) when they face No. 7 Texas (4-1, 1-1 SEC) Saturday.
Philo’s status is questionable for the away tilt with the Longhorns, as first reported by CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz. That report was then elaborated on by ESPN’s Pete Thamel, with sources mentioning that Philo is dealing with a shoulder injury that he suffered late in the 38-19 home loss to South Carolina. The junior is expected to be listed on the SEC Student-Athlete Initial Availability Report upon its release Wednesday night.
If Philo is a no-go for the Gators, Florida coach Jon Sumrall would turn to sophomore Tramell Jones Jr. to start in his place. Jones has entered in relief of Philo four times this season but would be making the first start of his collegiate career. When asked for comment by WRUF, the University Athletic Association noted that “there is a chance that Tramell [Jones Jr.] starts at Texas, but that won’t be determined until later in the week or even on game day” and that Jones “has not taken all first team snaps.”
Jones has appeared in six games across his two seasons with the program, completing 44 of his 64 passes for 443 yards and four touchdowns to two interceptions. Jones battled Philo closely for the starting quarterback role throughout the offseason before the decision to move forward with Philo was announced by Sumrall before the season opener against FAU on Sept. 5.
“I’ve said this publicly: I think Tramell can be our starting quarterback here, and we can win football games,” Sumrall said Monday. “I think Tramell can win football games, too. And I believe in Tramell.”
The last time Florida made the trip to Austin, Texas, the Gators also started a backup quarterback to little avail. Third string quarterback and Yale transfer Aidan Warner made the start against the Longhorns after injuries to starter Graham Mertz and backup DJ Lagway held them out of the contest.
Warner, who would enter this matchup with Texas as the backup if Philo is unavailable, threw for 132 yards and two interceptions in the 49-17 loss to the Longhorns in 2024.
Philo, who followed offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner to Florida from Georgia Tech, has completed 70.5% of his passes for 1,341 yards and nine touchdowns, along with three interceptions. The former Yellow Jacket led the Gators to a 4-0 start before dropping two straight games at Missouri and against South Carolina.
Kickoff between the Gators and the Longhorns is set for 12 p.m. on ABC, with coverage beginning at 9 a.m. on WRUF 98.1-FM/850-AM/103.7 HD2.
Category: Feature Sports News, Gator Sports, Gators Football
