Florida will start Aaron Philo at quarterback when the No. 17 Gators try to end a five-game losing streak against No. 3 Georgia in Atlanta on Saturday, sources told ESPN's Pete Thamel.
First-year coach Jon Sumrall is electing to start Philo over Tramell Jones Jr. after both quarterbacks took first-team snaps in practice this week, sources told ESPN.
Philo missed Florida's 27-24 upset of Texas on Oct. 17 because of a shoulder injury. Jones threw for 155 yards on 22-for-35 passing with two touchdowns against the Longhorns in his first career start but has been dealing with "a couple bumps and bruises" since, Sumrall said this week.
Both quarterbacks were listed as questionable on Florida's initial availability report.
"I've said the whole time I think we can win with either guy," Sumrall said earlier this week.
Philo spent his first two seasons at Georgia Tech before following offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner to Florida. He has completed 70.5% of his attempts for 1,341 yards with nine touchdowns and three interceptions in six games.
In 2023, Philo set the Georgia high school all-time passing yards record by throwing for 13,922 yards during his four-year career at Prince Avenue Christian School in Bogart, which is located about 15 miles from the UGA campus. He broke the previous mark of 13,902 yards set by Trevor Lawrence at Cartersville High School from 2014 to '17.
"Both are very talented," Georgia coach Kirby Smart said of Florida's quarterbacks earlier this week. "One beat Ole Miss and one beat Texas on the road. I mean, they're both completely capable, good players, knowing about both of them for a long time.
"And in terms of their ability, they're both plenty capable, especially in Buster's offense. It's quarterback-driven, but it doesn't require the quarterback to be perfect. He gives them so many options, and he can play to the strengths of each guy."
Speedy Florida receiver Vernell Brown III, who has missed three games while recovering from a sprained right knee, is listed as probable and is expected to return vs. the Bulldogs. The Gators, however, are expected to be without receiver Bailey Stockton and linebacker Jaden Robinson, who are both listed as doubtful.
For Georgia, running back Chauncey Bowens has again been ruled out after missing the last two games with a foot injury, meaning Nate Frazier, Dwight Phillips Jr. and Bo Walker will see action in the backfield. Safety KJ Bolden, who has a leg injury, is likely a game-time decision after missing the Bulldogs' loss to Auburn.