Sources: Gators to start Philo over Jones vs. No. 3 Bulldogs

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  Mark SchlabachOct 30, 2026, 12:54 PM ET

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  • Senior college football writer
  • Author of seven books on college football
  • Graduate of the University of Georgia

Florida will start Aaron Philo at quarterback when the No. 17 Gators try to end a five-game losing streak against No. 3 Georgia in Atlanta on Saturday, sources told ESPN's Pete Thamel.

First-year coach Jon Sumrall is electing to start Philo over Tramell Jones Jr. after both quarterbacks took first-team snaps in practice this week, sources told ESPN.

Philo missed Florida's 27-24 upset of Texas on Oct. 17 because of a shoulder injury. Jones threw for 155 yards on 22-for-35 passing with two touchdowns against the Longhorns in his first career start.

Both quarterbacks were listed as questionable on Florida's initial availability report.

Philo spent his first two seasons at Georgia Tech before following offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner to Florida. He has completed 70.5% of his attempts for 1,341 yards with nine touchdowns and three interceptions in six games.

In 2023, Philo set the Georgia high school all-time passing yards record by throwing for 13,922 yards during his four-year career at Prince Avenue Christian School in Bogart, which is located about 15 miles from the UGA campus. He broke the previous mark of 13,902 yards set by Trevor Lawrence at Cartersville High School from 2014-17.

"Both are very talented," Georgia coach Kirby Smart said of Florida's quarterbacks earlier this week. "One beat Ole Miss and one beat Texas on the road. I mean, they're both completely capable, good players, knowing about both of them for a long time.

"And in terms of their ability, they're both plenty capable, especially in Buster's offense. It's quarterback driven, but it doesn't require the quarterback to be perfect. He gives them so many options, and he can play to the strengths of each guy."