Image Credit: Georgia Tech
A roster overhaul is underway with new head coach Jon Sumrall taking the reins of the Florida Gators, and perhaps no more important pieces will be added from the transfer portal this winter than potential offensive leaders. Quarterback Aaron Philo is nearing the finalizing of a commitment Florida, setting an expected transfer into the program after two seasons of backup duty under offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner at Georgia Tech, according to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz and Chris Hummer.
Though Philo’s numbers are not overly impressive — 58% completions for 938 yards with two touchdowns, three interceptions, 95 yards rushing and a rushing score in six total appearances — he’s only once been singularly prepared to start a game. That came in a 59-12 win over Gardner-Webb this season in which Philo completed 21 of 28 passes for 373 yards with a TD and INT.
Philo will have three years of eligibility remaining, entering the 2026 campaign as a redshirt sophomore. The former three-star prospect in the Class of 2024, who broke Trevor Lawrence’s high school passing record in Georgia, will compete for the Gators starting job with Tramell Jones. Jr., a redshirt freshman next season, and four-star recruit Will Griffin (Tampa, FL), who broke Tim Tebow’s high school passing record in Florida.
DJ Lagway, a former five-star prospect and the highest-rated Florida QB signee since 2011, entered the transfer portal after the season.
Since Tebow led the Gators across three straight seasons (2007-09), the Gators have only had one other quarterback start and finish consecutive campaigns (Kyle Trask, 2019-20).