The Florida Gators face a major quarterback decision heading into their next matchup against the Oklahoma Sooners. They have just fired offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle and are dealing with real problems under center with John Mateer. The Gators have two quarterbacks they believe in, but neither has played to the standard the program expects.

Gators head coach Jon Sumrall has made it clear that starting one week doesn’t guarantee the job the next. He has talked at length about being willing to give the next guy the ball, and that approach is front and center again this week.

Jon Sumrall won’t name a Florida Gators starter just yet

On Monday, Sumrall said neither quarterback would be named the starter going into the week. He explained the plan during his press conference on Monday:

“I’m not going to make a big QB1 announcement. I have a plan that is already kind of in motion and in place. But I don’t know that it helps us with me naming a starter today. We need both of them to be ready to play to go win. We list them as “or” because right now I need both of them to be ready to be our starter at any point. We’re going to move forward like, ‘Hey man, both of you guys are competing every day,’” said Sumrall during Monday’s press conference.

Sumrall has been honest about this philosophy throughout his tenure. He talked about it a lot during spring practice. His message was that a quarterback has to keep performing, just like a player at any other position, to be the guy long term.

That being said, the timing makes this decision weigh more heavily than usual. Adding uncertainty at quarterback on top of coming off of a loss is a tough combination going into a game against the Sooners.

What happened against the Georgia Bulldogs

The latest shakeup came against the Georgia Bulldogs. Quarterback Aaron Philo got off to an abysmal start and was benched, and the low point was one of the worst interceptions you’ll ever see.

Tramell Jones Jr. came in and steadied the ship. Florida wasn’t able to get much going offensively with him either, but he did lead the Gators’ lone touchdown drive. With a bit more consistency on offense, Florida could have beaten Georgia.

The defense was fantastic on the day. That performance marks a major shift in how we should view the unit, and it makes the offensive struggles even more frustrating. A defense playing at that level deserves an offense that can finish drives. That’s the entire reason this quarterback decision matters so much.

Who will start for Florida against Oklahoma?

My expectation is that Jones gets the start against Oklahoma. He gave the offense a spark against the Bulldogs, and he was the quarterback on the field when the Gators found the end zone.

However, the way Sumrall keeps handling this position makes it clear both quarterbacks are still fighting for the nod. Philo was described as the better player during practice ahead of the Georgia game. That matters for a coaching staff that places this much weight on daily competition.

Listing the two with an “or” on the depth chart isn’t just coachspeak from Sumrall. It reflects a staff that is willing to pull the trigger quickly if the starter doesn’t produce. If Jones gets the nod and struggles early against the Sooners, don’t be surprised if Florida makes the switch again.