GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Gators are officially turning the page at the quarterback position. Sophomore signal-caller Tramell Jones Jr. will get the start this Saturday as No. 24 Florida prepares to host Oklahoma at The Swamp, according to multiple reports confirmed Thursday.
The decision comes following a tumultuous outing for the Gators offense last weekend. During Florida’s 27-8 loss to Georgia in Jacksonville, starter Aaron Philo struggled, throwing two costly interceptions before being pulled in the second quarter. Jones, a product of Jacksonville, stepped in and provided a much-needed spark, finishing the game 18-of-25 for 172 yards and punching in the team’s only touchdown on a 2-yard scramble in the fourth quarter.
This Saturday’s contest marks a significant milestone for the young quarterback: his first collegiate start in the friendly confines of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner expressed confidence in the sophomore’s trajectory earlier this week, noting that the coaching staff has been particularly impressed with how Jones handles pressure. “I attribute that to a lot of poise and preparation,” Faulkner said. “I thought he did a good job [against Georgia].”
For Jones, the promotion to QB1 is a test he has proven capable of passing before. His first career start came under high-stakes circumstances on October 17 against then-No. 7 Texas, when he was tapped to replace an injured Philo. Jones rose to the occasion, leading the Gators to a gritty 27-24 upset victory. In that performance, he displayed dual-threat capability, completing 22 of 35 passes for 155 yards and two touchdowns, while chipping in 41 yards on the ground.
The quarterback carousel has been a defining storyline for the Gators (5-3, 3-3 SEC) this season. Philo held the starting job through the first six weeks before the shoulder injury sidelined him, and his subsequent return against the Bulldogs resulted in the team’s most stagnant offensive showing of the year. With the Gators looking to regain their momentum and climb the SEC standings, the coaching staff is betting that Jones’ mobility and decision-making will better serve the offense against the Sooners (4-4, 2-3).
As Florida prepares to face an Oklahoma squad looking to play spoiler in Gainesville, the pressure will be on Jones to prove that his success against Texas was not an anomaly. With only three conference losses on their record, the Gators remain in a position to salvage their season, provided they can find consistency under center.
Kickoff for Saturday’s game is scheduled for 7:45 p.m. Fans can catch the action on the SEC Network. For those looking for pre-game analysis, coverage begins on WRUF 98.1-FM/850-AM/103.7 HD2 starting at 4:45 p.m.
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