Florida quarterback Aaron Philo landed in tier 11 of ESPN’s FBS QB rankings for 2026.
The Georgia Tech transfer was placed in a group labeled “waiting is the hardest part.” While far from the top level, college football analyst Dave Hale suggests that at least one player from the unit could break into the Heisman conversation by season’s end.
Hale highlights Philo’s reunion with former Yellow Jackets offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner, noting that the two reuniting could produce one of the most intriguing quarterback-system fits in the nation. This optimism is backed by analytics as Philo was efficient under center in Atlanta — the Bogart, Georgia, native had significantly better yards-per-play metrics than starter Haynes King.
“Don’t be surprised if at least one of the names in Tier 11 winds up being in the Heisman race by year’s end.” That’s what Hales had to say about a party featuring Georgia Tech’s Alberto Mendoza, Kentucky’s Kenny Minchey, Louisville’s Lincoln Kienholz, Missouri’s Austin Simmons and North Dakota State’s Nathan Hayes.
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida’s Aaron Philo lands in ESPN QB tier with Heisman potential
Reporting by Michael Long, Gators Wire / Gators Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
