yahoo
As the 2026 college football season approaches, several programs remain undecided on their starting quarterback, including the Florida Gators. The team is seeking a replacement for DJ Lagway, who departed for Baylor.
Fall camp is set to begin soon, followed by the opening week of games. Quarterbacks have only a limited window to bolster their case for the starting role, particularly those with minimal game footage.
Key Analysis
At SEC media days, head coach Jon Sumrall addressed the quarterback competition, noting that while the roster lacks a Heisman Trophy contender, the signal-callers possess sufficient talent. "They both are adequate runners. Neither one of them are elite runners. Neither one of them are slugs either. Both have good arms, both have good releases. Both can make all the throws. So there's enough there for us to win with," Sumrall stated.
Tramell Jones, a true freshman in 2025, served as Lagway's primary backup last season. He saw action in a garbage-time win against Long Island, completing passes for 131 yards and two touchdowns. His main competitor, Aaron Philo, is considered the frontrunner after backing up Haynes King at Georgia Tech for two seasons. Philo will be reunited with his former offensive coordinator, Buster Faulkner, who joined Florida's staff. In limited relief appearances, Philo has accumulated 938 passing yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions over his career.
Although Philo may hold a slight edge, the battle is expected to intensify as fall camp gets underway. The Gators' quarterback decision will be closely monitored as the season opener draws near.
Originally reported by yahoo.