BREAKING: The Florida Gators have officially secured quarterback Aaron Philo from Georgia Tech as of December 15, 2025. This move comes just days after former quarterback DJ Lagway announced his intention to transfer, marking a pivotal shift for the Gators’ offensive strategy.
Philo, who confirmed his transfer on Instagram earlier today, will follow new offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner, bringing a wealth of experience from his time in the Yellow Jackets’ system. This acquisition is crucial for Florida as they aim to solidify their quarterback position for the upcoming season.
During his two seasons at Georgia Tech, Philo demonstrated impressive potential, completing 59 of 102 passes for 938 yards, with two touchdowns and three interceptions. He particularly shone during his only start, where he threw for 373 yards against Gardner Webb. His dual-threat capabilities are expected to align well with Faulkner’s offensive strategy, which emphasizes versatility.
The Gators are not stopping here. Philo joins a growing roster that includes fellow transfer Bailey Stockton, a receiver and brother of Georgia quarterback Gunnar Stockton, and TJ Shanahan, an offensive lineman from Penn State. As the transfer portal opened, Florida has been actively recruiting talent to strengthen its lineup.
Philo will face competition from Tramell Jones Jr., a 19-year-old redshirt freshman and former 4-star prospect, as well as true freshman Will Griffin, who made waves during his record-setting tenure at Tampa Jesuit. With Philo’s background at Prince Avenue Christian School, where he set a state record with 13,922 passing yards, he positions himself as a formidable contender for Florida’s starting job.
This transition is particularly notable given the Gators’ recent struggles with quarterback injuries and performance inconsistencies. Lagway’s departure, attributed to injury concerns and a significant price tag, opened the door for Philo, whose familiarity with Faulkner’s system makes him a logical fit.
As Philo prepares to join the Gators, he will arrive alongside Stockton, enhancing team chemistry right from the start. The urgency for Florida to establish a cohesive offensive strategy cannot be understated as they gear up for the 2026 season.
Meanwhile, DJ Lagway is exploring options, having recently visited Florida State and is expected to check out Virginia soon. His journey adds another layer of intrigue to the Gators’ quarterback search.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Florida Gators reshape their roster in response to this critical offseason. The coming days will reveal how Philo’s integration into the team unfolds, as fans eagerly anticipate the impact of this new signing.
