Florida, Auburn reload at quarterback via transfer portal as coaching changes spark major roster moves
TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL | Jan 07, 2026, 02:44 IST
Florida and Auburn strengthened their quarterback rooms through the transfer portal as both programs start over with new head coaches. The Gators added Georgia Tech’s Aaron Philo, who will compete for the starting job and reunite with coordinator Buster Faulkner. Auburn landed South Florida star Byrum Brown, who follows former coach Alex Golesh after producing big passing and rushing numbers.
Florida and Auburn added new quarterbacks through the transfer portal as both programs begin fresh under new head coaches.
Florida picked up Georgia Tech quarterback Aaron Philo to join its roster. The quarterback announced his decision to join the Gators on Tuesday.
Philo previously played for the Yellow Jackets as a backup for Hayes King and has appeared in eight games. Philo will replace the Gators quarterback, DJ Lagway, and is expected to compete for the starting position with the freshman Trammell Jones Jr.
Philo will also reunite with Buster Faulkner, who previously worked with Georgia Tech as offensive coordinator.
As the Gators are rebuilding their team under their new coach, Jon Sumrall, they also added two other players from the transfer portal on Friday. One of them is wide receiver Bailey Stockton, who is Philo’s former teammate. Penn State offensive lineman TJ Shanahan is also headed to Florida.
Meanwhile, Auburn landed South Florida’s quarterback Byrum Brown from the transfer portal.
He is set to join his former coach, Alex Golesh, who was recently appointed as Auburn’s head football coach.
Brown announced his commitment on Instagram after reposting an On3 post that spoke about his decision. Brown will join his former coach, Alex Golesh in Auburn. Over four seasons at South Florida, Brown put up big numbers as both a passer and a runner. He threw for 7,690 yards and 61 touchdowns while adding 2,265 rushing yards and 31 scores.
This past season, Brown completed 66.3% of his passes for 3,158 yards with 28 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also ran for 1,008 yards and 14 touchdowns, helping South Florida finish 9-3 in the regular season. Brown opted out of the Cure Bowl loss to Old Dominion before entering the portal. He was also productive in 2023 before a leg injury limited him in 2024.
There was more movement around the country as well. Former Notre Dame backup quarterback Kenny Minchey announced he is heading to Kentucky, ending a recruitment that briefly included reports linking him to Nebraska. Texas wide receiver Parker Livingstone also entered the mix, announcing his transfer to Oklahoma after catching 29 passes for 516 yards and six touchdowns this season.
With the portal open, quarterback movement continues to reshape rosters quickly, and Florida and Auburn are hoping these additions can speed up their turnarounds.