Florida decides on starting QB against Kentucky, per report
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Florida is going back to Aaron Philo as the starting quarterback in Week 11.
Matt Zenitz, Zach Goodall and Graham Hall reported Thursday morning that Philo would be the starting quarterback for the Gators against No. 11 Kentucky. It’s the third consecutive game in which Jon Sumrall‘s squad has had a different starter.
Florida is currently expected to make a change at quarterback and to start Aaron Philo against No. 11 Kentucky Saturday, sources tell me, @zach_goodall and @GrahamHall. Was benched last week in favor of Tramell Jones. Now expected to step back in as the starter for the Gators. https://t.co/4h0rkTU3pL
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) November 12, 2026
Philo won the competition in camp against Tramell Jones and started the first 6 games of the season. Florida got off to a 4-0 start, but is 1-4 in its last 5 games. Jones made his first career start in Week 7 at Texas as Philo was out due to injury.
Jones led the Gators to a comeback victory at Texas. Sumrall, though, chose Philo for the Week 9 starter against Georgia in Atlanta.
Philo was benched for Jones after two early interceptions against the Bulldogs. Jones then got the start for Florida against Oklahoma at home, and struggled in the loss. Jones was 10-of-22 for 133 yards wth 2 interceptions in a 23-7 loss to the Sooners.
A Georgia Tech transfer who followed offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner to Gainesville, Philo has completed 70.5% of his passes (110-of-156) at 8.8 yards per attempt for 1,367 yards, 9 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. Philo also has 3 rushing scores on the season.
Saturday’s game is set for 6:15 p.m. ET, airing on ESPN.
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.
