Florida (4-2) was one of America’s hottest college football teams. The Gators beat Auburn in thrilling fashion in Week 3, and then demolished Ole Miss in Week 4. Florida found itself up to No. 8 in the AP Top 25, but it’s been downhill since.

Florida has lost two in a row, getting demolished by both Missouri and South Carolina, and now the Gators get concerning news ahead of their game against Texas.

According to Pete Thamel, starting quarterback Aaron Philo will enter the game ‘questionable’ against the Longhorns. Philo continues to deal with a shoulder injury that was suffered in the loss to South Carolina, but it’s important to note that he has not been ruled out yet.

Philo transferred to Florida after playing two seasons at Georgia Tech. He is in his first season as the starting quarterback and has thrown for 1,341 yards, nine touchdowns, and three interceptions in six games this season.

MORE: College Football SEC power rankings entering Week 7

Florida’s contingency plan

NCAA Football: Florida at Missouri

Oct 3, 2026; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Aaron Philo (12) throws in the fourth quarter against the Missouri Tigers at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

For Florida to stay in the College Football Playoff hunt, it’s a must-win for the Gators. Obviously, you’d want your starting quarterback out there, but if Philo is unable to play, it’s going to be sophomore Tramell Jones Jr. out there against Texas.

The six-football gunslinger has completed over 79% of his passes this season when he’s been in the game. Jones Jr. has thrown for 252 yards and two touchdowns, but his two interceptions are a bit concerning in a limited sample size.

Jones Jr. is a former top-250 recruit and the Gators were hopeful he was their quarterback of the future. If Philo is unable to play, this will be Jones Jr.’s chance to show that he can be. On top of playing at Texas this week, the Gators’ next three games are daunting, with Georgia, Oklahoma, and Kentucky up next.

Florida’s run game has also suffered in recent weeks. Running back Jadan Baugh was among the best running backs in the nation, but has run for just 13 and 59 yards, respectively, in each of the last two games. The Gators will need to show major improvements to get a road win this week.

—Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter—

Source: Yahoo Sports