Florida is getting sophomore quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. ready to start Saturday against No. 7 Texas if Aaron Philo cannot go because of a shoulder injury. Coach Jon Sumrall said Jones has been taking meaningful reps in practice this week as the Gators prepare for the trip to Austin.
The move marks a shift from earlier in the week, when the story centered on Philo’s uncertain status after he was hurt late in Florida’s 38-19 loss to South Carolina. Now the focus has turned to making sure Jones is ready to start against Texas, with the Gators treating the backup’s readiness as central to their game plan regardless of what Philo’s availability report shows.
The Main Development
Philo has been limited in practice all week, and his status for the game remains uncertain. Florida was scheduled to release its first official availability report at approximately 8:10 p.m. ET on Wednesday, with follow-up reports Thursday and Friday at the same time.
Sumrall has made clear that Jones is not just an emergency option. The coach said Jones has earned real trust within the program.
“I think Tramel can win football games here, and believe in Tramel. So, I like our quarterback room,” Sumrall said.
Sumrall went further, pointing to how he has used Jones in close games already this season.
“When we put him at the end, in those situations, I want to make sure we continue growing because I believe in Tramell. I’ve said this publicly: I think Tramell can be our starting quarterback here, and we can win football games,” Sumrall said.
What It Means For Florida’s Quarterback Depth
If Philo is ruled out, Jones would make his first career start. He has already seen significant action this season, appearing in five games and completing 23 of 29 passes for 252 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Jones came in for Philo in the fourth quarter against South Carolina in Week 6 and went 6-of-8 for 40 yards, throwing an interception while also leading a touchdown drive. Should Philo and Jones both be unavailable, Florida’s depth chart moves to true freshman Will Griffin and multi-year backup Aidan Warner, who are next in line behind the top two quarterbacks.
Context: A Battle That Started In Preseason
Jones and Philo competed for the starting job during preseason practice before Philo, a Georgia Tech transfer, won the role. Philo has thrown for 1,341 yards this season on 70.5% completion passing, adding 104 rushing yards and 12 total touchdowns against three interceptions in his first year as Florida’s starter. Sumrall said Philo is not the only issue behind Florida’s recent offensive struggles.
“There are a lot of things around him that need to get better,” Sumrall said, pointing in part to the offensive line, which allowed three sacks last week.
Team Impact
Florida enters Saturday at 4-2 overall and 2-2 in the SEC, having dropped its last two games. Jones has played in both of those losses, completing 11 of 13 passes for 126 yards with one touchdown and one interception over that stretch. A strong showing against Texas, Sumrall has indicated, could reopen the competition at quarterback regardless of Philo’s health. Jones appeared in two games last season as a reserve under Florida’s previous coaching staff.
What’s Next
Florida faces Texas on Saturday at noon ET in Austin, with the game airing on ABC. The Gators’ final availability reports are due Thursday and Friday evenings, which should clarify whether Philo or Jones takes the first snap against the Longhorns.
Don't stop here
Every Score. Every Story. One Home.
Breaking sports, entertainment and news from across the Total Apex network, updated all day.
Get the Full Story →
