GAINESVILLE — Georgia Tech’s Aaron Philo will follow new Gators offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner to replace DJ Lagway and look to become Florida’s quarterback of the future.

Philo announced Tuesday on Instagram he’d be heading to Gainesville after two seasons with the Yellow Jackets. He joins former teammate and receiver Bailey Stockton, Penn State offensive lineman TJ Shanahan and several other players as the Gators continue to add players since the transfer portal opened Friday.

Philo’s acquisition has been anticipated since new coach Jon Sumrall hired Faulkner Dec. 4. Lagway announced plans to transfer on Dec. 15 and Philo did the same the next day.

Philo will have to compete with redshirt freshman Tramell Jones Jr., a 19-year-old former 4-star prospect from Jacksonville who appeared in two games at UF in 2025. Also in the mix is true freshman Will Griffin, a 4-star prospect who set records at Tampa Jesuit.

The 6-foot-2, 220-pound Philo worked with Faulkner the past two seasons, serving as backup to Haynes King and appeared in eight games in 2024 and 2025. During his only start for the Yellow Jackets, Philo was 21-of-28 for 373 yards, with a touchdown and interception Sept. 6 against Gardner Webb.

Overall, Philo completed 59 of 102 throws (57.8%) for 938 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions. He rushed for 95 yards and a score on 16 carries, playing in Faulkner’s system at Georgia Tech that was geared toward dual-threat quarterbacks.

Philo’s most impressive work, though, was during a decorated career at Prince Avenue Christian School in Bogart, Ga., where he threw for a state record 13,922 passing yards to break Jacksonville Jaguars’ quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s mark.

As a senior in 2023, Philo passed for a single-season state-record 56 touchdowns. Yet, he was a 3-star prospect rated the nation’s No. 47 QB prospect by 247Sports who committed to Minnesota before changing his mind and signing with Georgia Tech to play for Faulkner.

Lagway’s credentials, potential and experience did not convince Sumrall to take a chance given his injury history and multi-million dollar pricetag. Philo’s familiarity with Faulkner’s system and their longstanding relationship made him a logical fit.

Florida could continue to explore options, but Philo was one of the more coveted transfer quarterbacks after he entered the portal. Meanwhile, Lagway visited Florida State on Sunday, followed by a trip to Virginia as he looks for a new home.

Philo will arrive to join a familiar face in Stockton. During two seasons at Georgia Tech, he recorded 38 catches for 439 yards and three scores, including 21 receptions for 233 yards during 11 appearances in 2025.

Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com