‘I like the room’ — Jon Sumrall elaborates on the in-depth Florida Gators quarterback competition

It’s far from over in Gainesville.

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
Add as preferred source on Google
Florida head football coach Jon Sumrall speaks during a press conference after spring practice at Sanders Practice Fields in Gainesville, FL on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun
Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun

After quarterback DJ Lagway entered the transfer portal after the 2025 season, we knew the Florida Gators were going to have a new starting quarterback for Jon Sumrall’s first season as head coach.

Looking at the potential quarterback battle for the Gators, it’s likely going to be either Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets transfer Aaron Philo or returning redshirt freshman Tramell Jones Jr. It will be quite the battle for the spot, and it’s one that Sumrall is looking forward to.

“One of them will have to be the starter in game one, and they’ve got to go earn it,” said Sumrall on Tuesday. “I like the room. I like how they’re competing with each other, but also, at the same time, the word you use that they are doing well is supporting each other. They’re challenging each other, but they’re doing it in a healthy, competitive way. I tell them all the time, you don’t elevate by pushing someone else down. And really, someone else elevating should help you elevate. I like how they’re competing with each other, not against each other.”

Florida Gators quarterback battle likely to last all season

The top quarterback is likely going to be Philo, as he was highly pursued by the Gators due to his connection with Buster Faulkner from their time at Georgia Tech.

“Philo obviously has familiarity within the system, which gives him a little bit of a jump start on where you are in the progression of operating within the offense. He’s a good decision-maker. He’s got a quick release, good arm. Can make all the throws competitive, has some intangible leadership traits that you like,” Sumrall continued.

When you watch Philo, he does what nobody could do for the Gators last year: operate an offense on time. He did the same in his limited starts at Georgia Tech, something that is prevalent with Jones as well.

“Tramell has sort of a natural Moxie,” said Sumrall. “A young guy doesn’t maybe have quite the experience, not that Philo’s started a ton of games, but he’s been in a few more of the competitive moments. Tramell hasn’t been quite as many in college yet. But to me, he just has a naturalness about him. He’s got a he’s got a quiet confidence about him. He’s very easy to relate to and sort of gravitate to. And, similar to Philo, he can make all the throws.”

We didn’t get to see Jones play much as a true freshman, but he did win the backup quarterback job as a true freshman and showcased his arm talent in the season opener against Long Island. He’s showing off so far in spring practice and has a real chance to win the job. What will be key isn’t just playing well in the spring and fall, but continuing to show they should be the starter.

“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.

One last thing to be aware of is true freshman Will Griffin. He won the Gatorade Player of the Year award in Florida as a high school senior at Tampa Jesuit this past year. He’s got a very interesting profile.

“Will Griffin did some good things today, like when he figures this whole thing out of how to operate at the line of scrimmage. Man, he’s got some real ability, arm talent that’s there.”

The Gators are going to be fun to watch throughout the offseason, as the most important position is up for grabs.

Related Articles