Florida Gators Add Former 3-Star Quarterback From The Transfer Portal
The Florida Gators have made a significant splash in the transfer portal, securing a commitment from former Georgia Tech quarterback Aaron Philo. The redshirt freshman, ranked as the No. 18 quarterback in On3’s transfer portal rankings, brings a wealth of potential and a history of prolific passing to Gainesville. His arrival signals the beginning of a new era for the Gators’ offense under head coach Jon Sumrall and offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner.
Reunited with Familiar Offense With The Florida Gators
One of the key drivers behind Philo’s decision to transfer to Florida is his existing relationship with offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner. Philo spent his freshman season at Georgia Tech working closely with Faulkner before the coach departed to join Sumrall’s staff at Florida in December. This familiarity with Faulkner’s scheme is expected to give Philo a leg up in learning the playbook and adjusting to the Gators’ offensive philosophy.
The Gators heavily pursued Philo once he entered the transfer portal on January 2, identifying him as an ideal fit for the system Faulkner intends to implement. With the departure of previous starter DJ Lagway, who entered the transfer portal in December, the quarterback room in Gainesville was in need of new talent and competition. Philo’s arrival addresses that need head-on.
Collegiate Stats and Potential
While Philo’s collegiate resume is brief, it shows flashes of high-level ability. As a true freshman at Georgia Tech, he served as the primary backup to Haynes King, a Heisman Trophy contender. Philo appeared in five games, throwing for 938 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions. He also demonstrated some mobility, adding 95 rushing yards on 16 carries.
In the 2025 season, Philo saw action in only two games, preserving his redshirt status. Despite limited opportunities, he made a statement in a 59-12 victory over Gardner-Webb, passing for an impressive 373 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. This performance highlighted his ability to command an offense and distribute the ball effectively downfield. Georgia Tech valued his potential highly and fought to keep him, but the allure of reuniting with Faulkner and competing for a starting job in the SEC ultimately drew him to Florida.
A Record-Breaking High School Career
Before arriving at Georgia Tech, Philo built a legendary resume at Prince Avenue Christian School in Bogart, Georgia. A 3-star recruit coming out of high school, he etched his name into the record books by setting the Georgia high school record for all-time passing yards. Philo amassed a staggering 13,922 passing yards, surpassing the previous record held by current Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback and former Clemson star Trevor Lawrence.
This achievement speaks volumes about Philo’s arm talent, durability, and understanding of the game. Breaking a record held by a generational talent like Lawrence suggests that Philo possesses the tools necessary to succeed at the highest levels of college football. His high school career was defined by consistent production and an ability to lead high-powered offenses, traits the Gators will be eager to see translate to Saturdays in The Swamp.
The Quarterback Competition in Gainesville
Philo enters a quarterback room that is currently in a state of transition. With DJ Lagway moving on, the starting job is wide open. Philo will primarily compete with Tramell Jones, a promising true freshman who re-signed with the Gators in late December and has already reportedly impressed the new coaching staff in early meetings. Also in the mix is 2026 4-star signee Will Griffin, adding further depth and talent to the position group.
As it stands, Philo and Jones are considered the frontrunners for the QB1 spot. Philo’s experience in Faulkner’s system and his time spent in a collegiate program give him a unique advantage, while Jones brings immense upside and raw talent. The competition is expected to be fierce throughout spring practice and into fall camp, pushing both quarterbacks to elevate their game.
What This Means for the Gators
Securing Aaron Philo is a strategic win for Jon Sumrall and his staff. It provides stability to a critical position while adding a player with a proven track record of production, albeit at the high school level and in limited college snaps. For Florida fans, Philo represents a fresh start and a potential answer to the quarterback questions that have loomed over the program.
His ability to operate within Faulkner’s offense, combined with his record-breaking background, suggests that the Gators are getting a quarterback who is ready to compete immediately. As the team looks to rebound and establish a new identity, Aaron Philo will undoubtedly be a central figure in Florida’s plans for the future. With his signing now official, the focus shifts to the field, where he will look to prove that his record-breaking past is just a prelude to a successful career in orange and blue.
