Texas football allowed a season-worst 27 points loss week in a loss to Oklahoma in Dallas. The Longhorns (4-1, 1-1 SEC) will look to get back on track Saturday in Austin against a Florida team with a new quarterback under center.
Florida will start backup quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. in the Week 7 SEC tilt, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel. Saturday will mark the first career start for Jones, who reportedly worked as Florida's starter during practice in Gainesville this week.
Florida is officially starting Tramell Jones Jr. against Texas, per ESPN sources. Starter Aaron Philo's availability will be determined via warm-ups this morning in Austin. First career start for Jones, who took the majority of first-team reps all week. https://t.co/qSFdan2na2
- Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) October 17, 2026
Who is Tramell Jones Jr.?
Jones is a sophomore with 64 career pass attempts, four touchdowns and two interceptions in seven career games. He joined the Gators in 2025, committing to Florida as a three-star recruit from Jacksonville. He's since appeared in contests against four SEC opponents, Kentucky last season and Ole Miss, Missouri and South Carolina in 2026.
Jones will start over Aaron Philo, a Georgia Tech transfer who tossed nine touchdown passes in his first six games with the Gators in 2026. Philo suffered a shoulder injury in last week's 38-19 loss to South Carolina, and he was limited in practice this week ahead of Saturday's game in Austin. Philo warmed up on the field at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium pregame on Saturday. He was not ruled inactive for the game Saturday morning.
Texas vs Florida injury update
Philo's status is uncertain as Jones gets the start Saturday. The Gators approach kickoff still seeking clarity on the health of another key offensive player, Vernell Brown III. Brown tallied 271 receiving yards in his first four games this season, then missed the last two games due to a knee injury. He entered Saturday listed as questionable, and he remains a game-time decision ahead of kickoff.
Saturday's matchup is set to begin at 11 a.m. CT. Texas enters Saturday seeking its 24th win in its last 25 home games at DKR.
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This article originally published at Tramell Jones Jr. to start as Florida QB against Texas Longhorns. Here's what to know.