Gators Preparing Tramell Jones Jr. to Start at No. 7 Texas

247Sports (Swamp247's Zach Goodall) reports Florida is preparing backup quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. for his first career start Saturday at No. 7 Texas — unless starter Aaron Philo recovers quickly enough to play.

Goodall reports Jones has taken first-team reps this week while Philo, listed as questionable with a shoulder injury from the South Carolina game, has practiced only on a limited basis. Barring a quick recovery in the next roughly 48 hours, Jones would start in Austin on Saturday (noon ET, ABC).

The report is credibly sourced but not official. Florida's Wednesday availability report still lists Philo as questionable, alongside wide receivers Vernell Brown III and Bailey Stockton. Running back Duke Clark is out.

Sumrall: Jones will be ready

Head coach Jon Sumrall has publicly backed Jones's readiness. On the record this week: "Tramell is gonna be ready when his number is called." Sumrall has also said he believes Jones can be a starting quarterback at Florida and that the Gators can win games with him.

Official context from Scott Carter's Corner on floridagators.com (Oct. 15) matches the same theme: Philo is questionable, Jones is ready, and what happens over the next two days decides who starts against the Longhorns. Sumrall also said, "Tramell can win football games, too."

Jones this season

The sophomore has appeared in five games in 2026, completing 23 of 29 passes (79.3%) for 252 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. He closed out Florida's last two drives against South Carolina (6-of-8, 40 yards, one interception) and led a late 94-yard touchdown drive at Missouri earlier this month.

Philo won the starting job in fall camp and has thrown for 1,341 yards with nine touchdowns and three interceptions this season. Florida is 4-2 and has been outscored 83-36 over its last two games.

We'll update when Florida posts further availability or confirms a starter. Primary report: Zach Goodall / 247Sports.