Florida vs Georgia Game Today: Aaron Philo Starts at Quarterback for the Gators in Atlanta
No. 17 Florida turns back to Aaron Philo against No. 3 Georgia at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with the Jacksonville rivalry game kicking off at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
Florida has its quarterback for the game Jacksonville is watching from Atlanta this year. No. 17 Florida will start Aaron Philo against No. 3 Georgia on Saturday in the rivalry known as the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party, a person familiar with the decision told the Associated Press on Friday. Philo and backup Tramell Jones Jr. were both upgraded to probable on Friday's availability update for the 3:30 p.m. ET game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which airs on ABC.
Philo started Florida's first six games before injuring his throwing shoulder late in the loss to South Carolina and sitting out the Gators' 27-24 upset win at then-No. 7 Texas on Oct. 17, where Jones made his first career start. Head coach Jon Sumrall had declined to name a starter during the week, saying the decision would come down to health and availability, and Georgia coach Kirby Smart said the Bulldogs prepared for both quarterbacks.
The game is the rivalry's first outside Jacksonville since the 1994-95 home-and-home, moved while EverBank Stadium undergoes its $1.4 billion renovation. Florida (5-2) is trying to snap a five-game losing streak in the series against Georgia (6-1). The series plays in Tampa in 2027 and is scheduled to return to Jacksonville in 2028 under a contract running through 2031. Former Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, speaking on SportsCenter, called the decision to start a healthy Philo "a really good decision" and said he would not be shocked to see both quarterbacks play.
