It's Tramell Jones Day: Gators Turn to Backup QB for First Career Start at No. 7 Texas

Updated about 11 a.m. ET, Saturday, Oct. 17

It's official: Jones gets the start

Florida is starting sophomore quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. at No. 7 Texas on Saturday, the first start of his career.

ESPN's Pete Thamel reported around 10:37 a.m. ET that Florida is "officially starting Tramell Jones Jr. against Texas, per ESPN sources." Thamel added that Jones took the majority of first-team reps all week and that starter Aaron Philo's availability would be decided during warmups in Austin. CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz confirmed minutes later that Florida is "in fact now set to start Tramell Jones." Gators Online's Zach Abolverdi also reported that Jones is getting the nod.

Saturday availability report

Florida's pregame SEC availability report lists Aaron Philo (shoulder) as a game-time decision, according to David Eckert. Abolverdi reported that Philo was throwing and going through warmups at the stadium about 90 minutes before kickoff, and that his status is being evaluated pregame.

The rest of Florida's report appears to remain unchanged from Friday. Receivers Bailey Stockton and Vernell Brown III appear to still be questionable, and running back Duke Clark appears to still be out. GatorStandard has not yet confirmed those listings with the official report.

Florida (4-2, 2-2 SEC) and Texas (4-1, 1-1 SEC) kick off at noon ET on ABC. Follow along on our Game Day hub and live play-by-play.

Earlier: Friday's reports

Florida is expected to start sophomore quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. at No. 7 Texas on Saturday, according to multiple reports Friday evening. It would be the first career start for Jones.

Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports reported around 5:27 p.m. ET that it is "currently trending toward Florida starting Tramell Jones" against the Longhorns, citing sources. Minutes later, On3 reported through Pete Nakos that Florida is expected to start Jones, and that a final decision will be made Saturday morning. Florida has not officially named a starter.

Philo's week

Starter Aaron Philo has been limited in practice this week with a shoulder injury and is considered a game-time decision. Zenitz first reported Wednesday that Philo's status was in question. Florida then listed him as questionable on both its Wednesday and Thursday SEC availability reports. Receivers Vernell Brown III and Bailey Stockton are also questionable, and running back Duke Clark is out. (More: Philo still questionable after Thursday availability report.)

Philo has thrown for more than 1,300 yards with nine touchdowns and three interceptions in six games. He took a hard hit on a fourth-quarter scramble in last week's 38-19 home loss to South Carolina.

WCJB's Olivia Eisenhauer reported that both Jones and Aaron Philo arrived with the team in Austin on Friday evening, and posted a photo of Philo "all smiles" getting off the plane. Philo remains a game-time decision.

About Jones

Jones was a four-star recruit in the 2025 class. In a follow-up post, Zenitz noted that Jones is 15 of 18 for 192 yards and two touchdowns in three appearances against FBS opponents this season. He has come on in relief of Philo in each of the last two games. (More: Gators preparing Tramell Jones Jr. to start at No. 7 Texas.)

What's next

Florida's Friday SEC availability report, released around 8:18 p.m. ET, showed no changes from Thursday, according to Zach Abolverdi of On3 and Meaghan English. Philo remains questionable, along with receivers Vernell Brown III and Bailey Stockton, and running back Duke Clark is still out. The final game-day report is due 90 minutes before kickoff. Florida (4-2, 2-2 SEC) and Texas (4-1, 1-1 SEC) kick off at noon ET Saturday on ABC in Austin.

Sources: CBS Sports / Matt Zenitz, On3 / Pete Nakos, 247Sports, 352today, SEC.