Jon Sumrall names Florida's starting QB for Week 1

Florida head coach Jon Sumrall. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Jon Sumrall names Florida's starting QB for Week 1

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Aug 24, 2026 11:50 AM ET

The Florida Gators headed into the 2026 offseason with a lot of unknowns.

Who would be the head coach? Would DJ Lagway return for another season? Who could replace Lagway if he leaves?

Jon Sumrall is the answer to the first question. Lagway is now the starting quarterback for the Baylor Bears and his replacement in 2026 was officially named on Monday.

Jon Sumrall has announced his starter

With Florida set to open its season on Sept. 5 against Florida Atlantic, the time to name a starting quarterback has finally arrived.

Sumrall announced Monday that the team is preparing for Georgia Tech transfer Aaron Philo to be the starter in Week 1. Philo transferred to the Gators after Sumrall hired former Georgia Tech offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner.

Florida head coach Jon Sumrall said the Gators are preparing for Aaron Philo to be the team's starting quarterback for Week 1 against FAU. https://t.co/b1ba3if0rk
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos) August 24, 2026

Aaron Philo does not have much experience

Philo was the backup to Haynes King at Georgia Tech for the previous two seasons, so he does not have much in-game experience.

He's attempted just 102 passes across two seasons, completing 59 of them for 938 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions. Philo has also added 95 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown on 16 carries.

Florida has a brutal schedule this season

The Gators will open the season with games against FAU and Campbell, but then business really picks up.

Weeks 3-9 feature five games against Top 25 ranked teams, including trips to No. 25 Missouri and No. 5 Texas. Florida also hosts No. 10 Oklahoma as well as No. 9 Ole Miss. The fifth game against a ranked opponent is a neutral site game against No. 3 Georgia.

Philo certainly has a tall task ahead of him to get the Gators back to relevance in what will be a loaded SEC in 2026.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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