Florida coach Jon Sumrall names Aaron Philo starting QB for Week 1
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Aaron Philo is Florida‘s starting quarterback to enter the 2026 season.
First-year head coach Jon Sumrall made the announcement when speaking to the press on Monday morning. Philo, a transfer from Georgia Tech, was competing with Tramell Jones Jr.
Florida coach Jon Sumrall has named Aaron Philo the starter at quarterback, and he’ll debut Week 1 against Florida Atlantic in Week 1. He’s a Georgia Tech transfer who brings familiarity with the offense, coming over with OC Buster Faulkner.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) August 24, 2026
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A native of Bogart, Georgia, Philo is entering Year 3 of his college career. He spent the past two seasons at Georgia Tech, where new Florida offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner held the same position.
Philo has appeared in 8 games over 2 college seasons. In 2024, he led Georgia Tech to a 30-29 victory over NC State, throwing for 265 yards and rushing 7 times for 57 yards and 1 touchdown. Last season, Philo threw for 373 yards in Georgia Tech’s 59-12 win over Gardner-Webb.
A product of Prince Avenue Christian, Philo is the Georgia high school all-time passing leader with 13,922 yards. The record was previously held by Trevor Lawrence (13,902 yards).
Florida opens the 2026 season at home against Florida Atlantic. The Gators also host Campbell in Week 2 before opening SEC play on the road at Auburn in Week 3.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaign of Fred Taylor.
