Florida names Jones starting QB

Tramell Jones Jr. is set to make his second career start for the Florida Gators when they host the Oklahoma Sooners on Saturday night, according to a source familiar with the decision. This move confirms a quarterback change that CBS Sports first reported earlier in the week.

Head coach Jon Sumrall declined to announce the starter officially on Monday. Instead, he adjusted the team's depth chart to list Jones and Aaron Philo as co-starters. Sumrall stated that a plan to transition between the two is already in motion. The decision follows a 27-8 defeat to the Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday.

Philo was removed from the Georgia game after throwing two interceptions. He stumbled while trying to avoid a sack on the opening drive and threw an underhand pass toward the sideline. That attempt was intercepted by Georgia cornerback Ellis Robinson IV. Philo threw a second interception two drives later before being benched. Sumrall described the first interception as a type of throw he had never seen before.

Jones entered the Georgia game in the second quarter. He committed two turnovers during his time on the field, while a third was negated by a penalty. Despite the turnovers, Sumrall noted that the offensive line's performance makes it difficult to distinguish between the two quarterbacks. The coach said the line has been porous, creating so much pressure that even a star player like Tom Brady would have struggled.

Jones has completed 70.8% of his passes for 579 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions. He also has 77 rushing yards and a touchdown. His previous start came at Texas last month, where he filled in for an injured Philo. In that game, Jones completed 22 of 35 passes for 155 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. He became the first Florida quarterback since Jesse Palmer in 1997 to win his first career start on the road against a top-10 team.

Philo has completed 70.5% of his passes for 1,367 yards, nine touchdowns, and five interceptions. He also has 104 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the ground. The Gators enter the matchup with a 5-3 record overall and 3-3 in the SEC. The Sooners are 4-4 overall and 2-3 in conference play.

Sumrall said the offensive line issues have been the toughest part of the evaluation process. He emphasized that the pressure on the quarterback is a factor that transcends individual skill. The Gators will look to stabilize their offense as they prepare for the visit from Oklahoma in the Swamp.