Earlier in the week, we got news that Florida Gators quarterback Aaron Philo was practicing on a limited basis due to a shoulder injury. It appears that he may miss the game against the Texas Longhorns on Saturday afternoon, and Tramell Jones Jr. is the likely starter.

It’s currently trending toward Florida starting Tramell Jones at quarterback tomorrow against No. 7 Texas, sources tell @CBSSports.

Starter Aaron Philo has been limited this week due to an injury and has been classified as a game-time decision. Would be the first career start… https://t.co/DGXwGviktw pic.twitter.com/5v8vbIQver

— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) October 16, 2026

It’s a tough one for the Gators to lose their starting quarterback, but it’s not as simple as the backup quarterback isn’t good enough.

Tramell Jones Jr. trending to start vs. Texas

It’s not a surprise that Jones would be getting a start this season. Head coach Jon Sumrall said as such during spring practice when talking about the quarterback battle.

“We got a long way to go to identify who’s going to be the trigger man that gets the opportunity to start game one. You start game one, and it doesn’t mean you’re starting game two or three or four, or you got to play well if you even if you get to nod for game one and so on. But I think we’re seeing certain things out of all the guys in that room,” said Sumrall.

This isn’t the way we expected Jones to get his first start, but it couldn’t come at a better time. The offensive line has been struggling, and Philo isn’t the best creator off script. Jones is much better at doing that, and he’s been good in limited playing time this season, completing 15-of-18 passes for 192 yards and two touchdowns. He possesses a live arm and plus athleticism. Those elements could help elevate the Gators’ offense, which has been struggling as of late.

Will it end up making a huge difference for Sumrall’s unit? That remains to be seen, as this will be Jones’ first college football start. Even so, it could jumpstart an offense that needs it.