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Florida to Start Philo Against Georgia in SEC Rivalry
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In Short: Florida will start quarterback Aaron Philo against Georgia in the SEC rivalry game, despite his shoulder injury.
Florida head coach Jon Sumrall announced that Aaron Philo will start against Georgia in the SEC rivalry game, known as 'The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party.' The decision was made despite Philo's shoulder injury, which has been a concern for the team.
Philo, a transfer from Georgia Tech, took the majority of first-team snaps in practice this week and will resume his starting job despite leading Florida to consecutive losses and struggling while doing so.
Sumrall stated that while Philo and backup Tramell Jones Jr. Could share the field on any given play, there are no plans to alternate quarterbacks unless a performance issue arises.
During Florida's back-to-back losses, Philo threw just one touchdown and two interceptions, while taking six sacks. He missed Florida’s last game, a win over previously No. 16 Kentucky, due to his shoulder injury.
Sumrall said that both Philo and Jones are available for the game, despite both players being listed as questionable on the SEC’s availability report. He added, 'I’ve said the whole time I think we can win with either guy.'
Philo's availability and effectiveness could shape the Gators' chances against the third-ranked Bulldogs. Despite the uncertainty, Onlygators and Oskaloosa Herald agreed that Philo should have speedy receiver Vernell Brown III back for the first time in more than a month, which could provide a boost to the offense.
Sumrall and offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner believed Philo had better command of the offense and was more capable than Jones of making checks and calls at the line of scrimmage, leading to his initial selection as the starter.
The decision to start Philo comes as the College Football Playoff is set to expand from its current 12-team model to a 24-team format, potentially making the change as soon as 2027.
What this adds
Despite the mixed opinions, Fox News and Onlygators agreed that the decision would come down to 'health and availability,' as both Philo and Jones have been dealing with injuries.
Background
Florida head coach Billy Napier announced that Aaron Philo will start against Georgia, despite the quarterback's shoulder injury.
According to Fox News and Onlygators, No. 17 Florida will start quarterback Aaron Philo against third-ranked Georgia in the SEC rivalry game, known as 'The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party.' The decision was made despite Philo's shoulder injury, which has been a concern for the team.
What's confirmed
- Philo, a transfer from Georgia Tech who was previously coached by Faulkner, reportedly took the majority of first-team snaps in practice this week and will resume his starting job despite leading Florida to consecutive losses and struggling while doing so.
What's still developing
- And a lot of the guys, honestly, make more than I made until I was 40.
- GAINESVILLE — Aaron Philo will be the Gators’ starting quarterback against Georgia, a source told the Orlando Sentinel, ending a week of speculation about whether Philo or Tramell Jones Jr. would earn the starting nod against the Bulldogs.
- Jones, meanwhile, rallied Florida from a 17-3 deficit at then-No.
- The performance positioned Jones to potentially remain in the starting role, but coaches decided to return to Philo, who earned the starting role during a monthslong competition leading up to the season.
- Philo's shoulder injury and Jones' undisclosed bumps and bruises leave Florida's quarterback situation uncertain.