Coach Jon Sumrall’s first full recruiting class currently ranks third nationally in the 247Sports Composite Team Rankings with 21 commitments, trailing only Texas A&M and Oklahoma.

Below is a running list of the players who have committed to Florida’s 2027 recruiting class. This story will be updated throughout the recruiting cycle.

June 5: Kamarion Johnson, 3-star ATH, Clinch County (Homerville, Georgia)
6-foot, 185 pounds

Kamarion Johnson committed at his official visit on Friday after receiving his offer from Florida April 20. The 3-star three-phase athlete received 13 offers, choosing the Gators over Florida State and Cincinnati. 

“I’m home,” Johnson told Rivals. “Go Gators.”

Johnson made 38 receptions for 828 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2025. On the other side of the ball, he made 29 tackles and five interceptions. He also showed out on special teams with one kick return and two punt return touchdowns.

June 5: Cahron Wheeler, 4-star DL, St. Paul’s School (Baltimore, Maryland)
6-foot-5, 266 pounds

Announcing his commitment at dinner on night one of his official visit, Cahron Wheeler chose Florida over Tennessee, Auburn, Clemson, Virginia Tech and Maryland. The third-ranked player in Maryland previously came to Gainesville in early April.

He recorded 30 tackles, six for loss, four sacks and one interceptions in seven games in his junior season. 

June 3: Zahmar Tookes, 4-star DL, Brighton (Rochester, New York)
6-foot-4, 235 pounds

Zahmar Tookes is the No. 1 player in the 2027 class from the state of New York. He chose Florida over Penn State and Nebraska June 3 after his official visit May 28.

In his two-year high school career, Tookes has made 114 tackles with four sacks and two forced fumbles.

As the fourth defensive lineman for Sumrall, there are still others to grab, potentially including Elijah Guertin, the top player from Rhode Island.

June 2: Kennedee Jackson, 4-star OT, Lithonia (Lithonia, Georgia)
6-foot-6, 297 pounds

Kennedee Jackson received his first offers from Georgia State and Middle Tennessee on Jan. 16 with his seventh offer, Florida, coming in Jan. 22. He took an unofficial visit April 4 before his official May 28 and commitment June 2. 

The four-star offensive tackle is the third at his position recruited by offensive line coach Phil Trautwein in this class. 

May 29: Ja’Bios Smith, 4-star LB, 6-foot-3 195 pounds, Swainsboro (Swainsboro, Georgia)
6-foot-3, 195 pounds

Ja’Bios Smith chose Florida over Georgia, Texas Tech, South Carolina and Texas A&M. He is ranked 12th in linebackers in the 2027 class.

While offered under former coach Billy Napier in April 2025, Smith officially visited Gainesville May 28 and committed the next day. He is still scheduled to visit Texas, Texas A&M and Georgia in June.

In the past three seasons, Smith made 175 tackles, including 16 for a loss and three sacks.

May 19: Elias Pearl, 4-star WR, Port Charlotte (Port Charlotte, Florida)
5-foot-10, 180 pounds

Elias Pearl is the 16th recruit in Sumrall’s class, and his highest ranked in-state commit at 10th overall. His final six schools were Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Ole Miss, LSU and FSU.

For Pearl, the choice was personal, as he received treatment from UF Health Shands growing up, as reported by Swamp247’s Tyler Harden.

In 2025, Pearl recorded 1,052 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns in the air. With 11 rushing touchdowns on 40 carries, he showed versatility, which Florida tends to favor with running backs, such as junior Jadan Baugh. 

May 15: Cain Van Norden, 3-star DL, 6-foot-7 265 pounds, Bishop McNamara (Forestville, Maryland)
6-foot-7, 265 pounds

The third defensive lineman to join this group of future Gators is Cain “Big Sandwich” Van Norden. He brought in 21 offers, choosing Florida over Georgia, Ole Miss and Maryland.

The three-star recruit competed at the Under Armour Next Camp in Baltimore on May 31 before making an official visit to Gainesville on June 4.

May 8: Andrew Beard, 4-star RB, Prince Avenue Christian School (Bogart, Georgia)
5-foot-10, 197 pounds

Andrew Beard, the ninth-ranked running back in the country, committed to become the only one in Florida’s 2027 class on May 8. He tallied 39 offers, tied as the most desired player in this new group.

After his commitment, Beard officially visited Clemson on May 29 for camp before coming to Gainesville on June 4, Georgia on June 12 and Tennessee on June 19.

He participated in the Navy All-American Bowl in San Antonio in January. In 2025, Beard ran for 1,260 yards and 12 touchdowns on 155 carries.

May 6: Stive-Bentley Keumajou Yondui, 3-star DL, Coral Gables (Miami, Florida)
6-foot-2.5, 295 pounds

Stive-Bentley Keumajou Yondui chose defensive line coach Gerald Chatman and the Gators over Georgia, Miami, Texas and Auburn. Born in England, he moved to the U.S. in June 2025 and participated in his first high school season in the fall.

He received his offer to Florida on Jan. 30 before committing May 6 and visiting May 28.

Keumajou Yondui recorded snaps on both the defensive and offensive line, in addition to punting and kicking.

May 5: Kailib Dillard, 3-star S, Jenks (Jenks, Oklahoma)
6-foot, 175 pounds

The second of two commits on May 5, Kailib Dillard chose Florida over 32 offers that included Georgia and Oregon. He is the lone safety in the 2027 class. He officially visited Gainesville May 28 alongside many of his future teammates, assisting in recruiting more future Gators.

In 2025, Dillard caught 71 passes for 1,250 yards and 15 touchdowns. Also playing on defense, he recorded 78 tackles and five interceptions.

May 5: Elijah Hutcheson, 4-star OT, North Cross (Roanoke, Virginia)
6-foot-5, 275 pounds

Elijah Hutcheson ranks second in Florida’s 2027 recruiting class. He is the No. 2 player in the state of Virginia and the seventh offensive tackle in his class.

The four-star commit was offered by Napier’s staff in March 2025, one month after Trautwein recruited him at Penn State. Hutcheson unofficially visited Florida April 3 and verbally committed May 5.

April 27: Peyton Miller, 4-star IOL, Anna (Anna, Texas)
6-foot-5, 290 pounds

Peyton Miller is ranked ninth at the interior offensive line position with 34 offers. While not getting one at Penn State, he was recruited by Trautwein, receiving an offer Dec. 15. 

Miller played in the Under Armour All-America Game in January. After committing April 27, he officially visited Gainesville at the end of May, reaffirming his commitment.

“I love being a Gator!” Miller posted on X. 

April 27: De’Voun Kendrick, 3-star DL, Carrollwood Day (Tampa, FL)
6-foot-4, 275 pounds

De’Voun Kendrick is the first defensive lineman to commit in this 2027 class. He committed just over a month after his offer and officially visited May 28, moving the trip up two weeks.

The three-star Tampa native recorded 29 tackles, including 13 for loss, 2.5 sacks and one forced fumble in 2025.

April 25: Anthony Jennings, 4-star WR, Dillard (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
6-foot, 165 pounds

With 39 offers, four-star wide receiver Anthony Jennings is tied for the most of any recruit. 

The Gators and then-position coach Billy Gonzales originally offered Jennings in May 2025, and he committed in late April before his official visit June 5.

In 2025, Jennings recorded 823 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns in the air on 34 catches.

April 16: Tommy Douglas, 3-star TE, Hun School (Princeton, New Jersey)
6-foot-4.5, 235 pounds

Jersey native Tommy Douglas received his Florida offer Jan. 20, committing April 16. He is the ninth player from his state and 27th at the tight end position.

In the 2025 season, Douglas made 33 catches for 640 yards and seven touchdowns.

April 11: Aamaury Fountain, 4-star CB, Northside (Warner Robins, Georgia)
6-foot-3, 190 pounds

Four-star Aamaury Fountain received 35 offers, previously committing to South Carolina Jan. 2. He received an offer from the Gators two weeks before Napier’s exit, but a trip to Gainesville for the annual Orange and Blue Game sparked the flip. 

On May 1, Fountain went back to Columbia, but his mind did not change.

Fountain continued building his bond with Sumrall at his official visit May 28. He intends to return to Gainesville the following weekend for an unofficial to help assist in further recruitment efforts, as he did with Smith.

“Our relationship is so genuine,” Fountain told Inside the Gators. “I can go to him about stuff outside of football.”

While Fountain told Inside the Gators that Miami and LSU continue to throw numbers to get him to flip, he said his decision is not about the money.

He completed his first full season at his position in 2025, making 32 tackles and four interceptions.

April 9: Davin Davidson, 4-star QB, Cardinal Mooney (Sarasota, Florida)
6-foot-6.5, 215 pounds

Davin Davidson is the 10th-ranked quarterback in his class and the 14th-ranked Floridian. He received 32 offers before committing to Florida on April 9.

He completed 65% of passes with 2,360 yards, 23 touchdowns and six interceptions in 2025.

Florida’s roster features five quarterbacks for the 2026 season, and each has at least one more season of eligibility after the fall.

April 8: Maxwell Hiller, 5-star OT/IOL, Coatesville Area (Coatesville, Pennsylvania)
6-foot-5, 300 pounds

Maxwell Hiller, the highest ranked recruit in the Gators’ 2027 class, joins Trautwein at Florida. He is ranked first at his position and in the state of Pennsylvania and third overall.

The 6-foot-5 300 pound interior offensive lineman received 31 offers, his first coming from Trautwein at Penn State in May 2023. After 10 unofficial visits to Happy Valley, Hiller received an official offer at Florida on Dec. 12, Trautwein’s first day on the job before his hiring was announced on Jan. 6.

Hiller made his commitment on April 8.

March 11: Tramond Collins, 4-star WR, Cottondale (Cottondale, Florida)
6-foot-2, 183 pounds

Four-star wide receiver Tramond Collins was the lone 2027 commit under Napier. The coaching change did not induce an immediate switch-up, but Collins remained open-minded to other programs.

While verbally committed, he still received offers from Miami and Maryland and took two unofficial visits to Florida State after Napier was fired. However, after originally committing in June 2025, Collins backed out two weeks after Sumrall was hired. 

It did not take long for Collins to come back around, as he committed to be a Gator once again on March 11, continuing Sumrall’s streak of retainment.

“After long conversations with my family, I have decided to shut down my recruitment and is 1000% committed to the University of Florida,” Collins posted on X on April 27.

In his junior year in high school, he nearly mirrored his receiving and rush yards with over 600 each. Collins recorded five receiving and nine rushing touchdowns with one Pick 6.

February 24: Jackson Ballinger, 4-star TE, Centerburg (Centerburg, Ohio)
6-foot-4, 225 pounds

Ohio native Jackson Ballinger received 28 offers, including Florida on April 4, 2025, under Napier.

He moved up his official visit up a week, coming to Gainesville May 28 after committing in February. Ballinger also came to Gainesville during the first week of April, going to a Florida baseball game with his future coaches.

He credits tight ends coach Evan McKissack for being what he is looking for in a coach, per On3’s Corey Bender.

January 24: Amare Nugent, 4-star CB, American Heritage (Plantation, Florida)
5-foot-11, 197 pounds

After Collins decommitted amid the coaching change, Amare Nugent became the first commit in the 2027 class. Napier’s staff gave him the offer in July 2025.

The first commit under Sumrall and cornerbacks coach Brandon Harris, Nugent received 34 offers, including LSU and Notre Dame since choosing Florida. He attended a Florida men’s basketball game on Jan. 24, where he told Sumrall the news.

The four-star recruit made his long-awaited official visit in Gainesville on May 28.

Episode 4 of The 35 — WRUF 98.1’s summer countdown of the greatest athletes in University of Florida history — aired Thursday and delivered five names that belong in any serious conversation about what this program has produced.

Lomas Brown, the first Florida offensive lineman inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame and a seven-time Pro Bowler, joined Jeremy St. Louis, Kevin Winter, and Shemar Woods in studio. ESPN host Laura Rutledge — a University of Florida College of Journalism alumna — called in with her takes on the list, the program, and what Florida means to her.

Here’s who made the cut at No. 20 through No. 16:

Episode 4 — The Difference Makers June 5, 2026

20

Lomas Brown

Football · Offensive Tackle · 1981–84 • Consensus All-American • Jacobs Blocking Trophy • College Football Hall of Fame • 7× Pro Bowl

19

Jevon Kearse

Football · Defensive End/Linebacker · 1995–98 • “The Freak” • 1998 SEC Defensive POY • 1999 NFL Defensive ROY (14.5 sacks)

18

Pete Alonso

Baseball · First Base · 2014–16 • MLB rookie HR record (53) • 2019 NL Rookie of the Year • 5× All-Star • Mets all-time HR leader

17

Brad Wilkerson

Baseball · Outfield/Pitcher · 1996–98 • 1998 National POY (Rotary Smith Award) • First in NCAA history: 20 HR, 10 wins, 20 SB in same season

16

Wilber Marshall

Football · Linebacker · 1980–83 • Two-time consensus All-American • Florida career records: 343 tackles, 58 TFL, 23 sacks — all still stand • CFB Hall of Fame

Next Wednesday — June 11 at 2 PM

Episode 5 — The Program Pillars

No. 15 through No. 11 revealed live on WRUF 98.1

Listen Live

The Greatest Gators Moments Bracket is also live. Week 4 voting is open — the Gymnastics Three-Peat (2013–15) vs. Caeleb Dressel’s NCAA Career, and the 2007 Men’s Basketball Title (Repeat) vs. Women’s Tennis Back-to-Back (2011–12). Vote before Thursday, June 11 at 1:59 p.m. Results will be announced live on air.

HOW TO FOLLOW ALONG

Listen live every Thursday 2–3 p.m. on WRUF 98.1

Watch and submit questions live on YouTube

Vote in the bracket each week

Text your takes to 352-325-3777 — best ones go on air live

The 35: Greatest Gators of All Time. Thursdays 2–3 p.m. on WRUF 98.1. May 14 through July 2.

The 19-year-old from Hong Kong will make her professional debut after closing out an 11th-place team finish and a T14 individual result at the NCAA National Championships in Carlsbad, California.

Teeing off Thursday at 11:13 a.m.,  Wu earned her spot in the U.S. Women’s Open through a three-way playoff in April, outlasting Texas All-American Farah O’Keefe and professional golfer Polly Mack. 

After winning several titles at the amateur level and holding two years of collegiate experience  under her belt, Wu will make her professional debut.

“When playing in college, we’re a team, and now I’m just playing for myself,” said Wu. “I’m really excited, but really nervous too.” Despite the nerves, Wu’s mental coach tells her, “at the end of the day, it’s just golf,” a mantra she plans to stand by during the tournament. 

As an amateur and collegiate player, Wu is no stranger to showing up and showing out. She was the runner-up at the Gators Invitational this past season on DATE and boasts the title of three-time American Junior Golf Association champion. Wu has logged several SEC awards and was named an WGCA All-America honorable mention on Tuesday. 

A member of the Hong Kong National Golf Team, Siuue moved to Florida to continue showcasing her talents on the course, along with her twin sister Isa Wu.

Wu’s development as a golfer has shown strides since coming to Gainesville and attributes her progress to head coach Emily Glaser.  

“She [Glaser] is a great coach and taught me so much, not just on the course but off the course as well,” Wu said. “I think the biggest lesson she taught me is really just staying patient and believing in myself.” 

This year’s U.S. Women’s Open features a 156-player field, including international No. 1 Nelly Korda. Wu is accompanied by 26 other amateur golfers, including current Florida teammate Paula Francisca. 

Now facing off against the world’s best, Wu hopes to use her time in California as a learning experience. 

“I’m excited to see them [the top LPGA competitors], see how they play the course and really just learn off of them,” said Wu. “Because it’s my first pro event I’m not gonna think too much about the result. I’m just going to go out there and have fun and enjoy it as much as I can – no expectations.”

Episode 3 of The 35 — WRUF 98.1’s summer countdown of the greatest athletes in University of Florida history — aired Thursday and delivered five names that are already generating debate. Carlos Alvarez, “The Cuban Comet,” joined the show in studio. A College Football Hall of Famer who set SEC sophomore receiving records in 1969 that still stand more than 55 years later, Alvarez made the case for why the pre-Spurrier era deserves more respect in the Florida football conversation.

Here’s who made the cut at No. 25 through No. 21:

The Greatest Gators Moments Bracket also revealed its third quadrant Thursday. Two new matchups are now live — the 2006 Football National Championship vs. Tim Tebow’s Heisman (2007), and the 2017 College World Series Title vs. Steve Spurrier’s Heisman (1966). Week 2 results — 2006 Men’s Basketball Title and Tebow’s Promise Speech both advanced — were announced live on air.

Vote before Thursday, June 5 at 1:59 PM.

HOW TO FOLLOW ALONG

Listen live every Thursday 2–3 p.m. on WRUF 98.1

Watch and submit questions live on YouTube

Vote in the bracket each week

Text your takes to 352-325-3777 — best ones go on air live

The 35: Greatest Gators of All Time. Thursdays 2–3 p.m. on WRUF 98.1. May 14 through July 2.

The Southeastern Conference announced the game times and television schedule for the Gators’ first three games of the 2026 season on Wednesday.

Florida kicks off the Jon Sumrall era in The Swamp against Florida Atlantic on Sept. 5 at 7:45 p.m. on SEC Network.

Sumrall’s first game as Florida’s coach marks a potential turning point after the rollercoaster ending to Billy Napier’s tenure in Gainesville.

The Gators are 4-0 all-time against the Owls. Their most recent matchup came in 2021 under then-head coach Dan Mullen, when Florida earned a 35-14 victory in The Swamp.

In Week 2, Florida hosts Campbell on Sept. 12 at 5:30 p.m. on SECN+. The matchup will mark the first meeting between the two programs. Campbell finished the 2025 season 2-10 overall and 2-6 in CAA play, with wins over Bryant and Hampton.

Florida then hits the road for the first time in 2026, traveling to Auburn for a 7 p.m. matchup on ESPN in Week 3 to begin its nine-game SEC schedule.

The Gators and Tigers have not faced each other in SEC play in seven years. The last meeting came in Gainesville, where Florida secured a 24-13 victory.

Florida’s 2025 season was filled with frustration, including the program’s worst start since 1986 at 1-3, a stunning upset loss to USF, Dallas Wilson’s foot injury, DJ Lagway’s five-interception performance against LSU and a seemingly endless stream of third-and-long screen passes.

Sumrall hopes to erase those memories and bring a fresh start to Gainesville.

The new Florida coach got to work immediately after taking the job, balancing responsibilities at both Tulane and Florida for three weeks while rebuilding his staff. Sumrall brought in Georgia Tech offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner, offensive line coach Phil Trautwein and Kentucky defensive coordinator Brad White.

One of the biggest questions entering the season remains Florida’s starting quarterback battle.

After Lagway transferred to Baylor, the Gators were left searching for a new starter. Tramell Jones Jr. spent the 2025 season backing up Lagway and did not make a start under Napier or interim coach Billy Gonzales. Jones threw for 191 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions in appearances against Long Island and Kentucky.

His main competition is Georgia Tech transfer Aaron Philo.

Philo arrived in Gainesville largely because of his familiarity with Faulkner after serving primarily as the backup to current Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Haynes King at Georgia Tech. In 2025, Philo threw for 373 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

Jones and Philo split the majority of first-team reps during the Orange and Blue spring game in April, alongside true freshman Will Griffin and redshirt junior Aidan Warner.

As the 2026 season approaches, optimism is building among Florida fans eager to see the program’s new direction take shape on opening day.

Episode 2 of The 35 revealed No. 30 through No. 26 on WRUF 98.1’s countdown of the greatest athletes in University of Florida history — and the names came with instant arguments. Errict Rhett, one of the most productive running backs in Gators history, joined Jeremy St. Louis, Kevin Winter and Shemar Woods as the guest for Episode 2.

Episode 2 — The Championship Builders May 21, 2026

30

Errict Rhett

Football · Running Back · 1990–93

29

Brandon Spikes

Football · Linebacker · 2006–09

28

Cris Collinsworth

Football · Wide Receiver · 1978–81

27

Reggie Nelson

Football · Safety · 2004–06

26

Kyle Pitts

Football · Tight End · 2018–20

Next Thursday — May 28 at 2 PM

Episode 3 — The Standard Setters

No. 25 through No. 21 revealed live on WRUF 98.1

Listen Live

The vote is also live. Two new matchups are open in the Greatest Gators Moments Bracket — and these are not easy ones.

On the Hardwood and Heroes side: the 2006 Men’s Basketball National Championship — Florida’s first-ever basketball title — goes up against the Softball Back-to-Back of 2014 and 2015. And Tebow’s “Promise” Speech, the most iconic non-game moment in Gators history, faces the 2025 Men’s Basketball National Championship.

You decide which moments advance. Voting closes Thursday, May 28 at 1:59 PM.

Tune in next Thursday at 2 PM on WRUF 98.1 for No. 25 through No. 21. The Standard Setters.

HOW TO FOLLOW ALONG

Listen live every Thursday 2–3 p.m. on WRUF 98.1

Watch and submit questions live on YouTube

Vote in the bracket each week

Text your takes to 352-325-3777 — best ones go on air live

The 35: Greatest Gators of All Time. Thursdays 2–3 p.m. on WRUF 98.1. May 14 through July 2.

The Gators continued their trend of scoring early, touching home in the first inning in four of  their last five games behind Brendan Lawson’s RBI double. Florida’s first three hitters in the lineup finished a combined 8-for-13 with two walks, two home runs and three doubles powering the early offensive production.

“I feel like our team may have, in a weird way, flown under the radar, so to speak, which is not normal here at Florida,” UF coach Kevin O’Sullivan said. “I think some of the losses early in the year were made more than they possibly were.”

In the second inning, Yost stepped to the plate with no runners on base and drove an 0-2 pitch down the right-field line. As the ball traveled toward the foul pole, Yost watched from the batter’s box as it hugged the line, mouthing words of encouragement while tracking it the entire way. With the help of a strong breeze blowing toward left field, Yost hit his fourth home run in his last two games to lift the Gators to a 3-0 lead, finishing the game 3-for-4. 

“And what can you say about Hayden Yost,” O”Sullivan said. “I mean what a great story … I don’t know how many home runs he’s hit in the last 20 games, but it’s quite a bit.

Earlier this week, sophomore Aidan King was named SEC Pitcher of the Year, and through four innings he showed why. But with two outs in the fifth, King’s fastball began to tail off and his off-speed pitches started settling into the glove of Karson Bowen just above the dirt. The Commodores chased King from the game after he allowed two doubles, a triple, three earned runs and a walk. Jackson Barberi entered to stop the damage and get Florida out of the inning tied at 3-3.

After moving throughout the batting order this season due to an oblique injury, Cade Kurland has found his stride in the eight hole. Now batting .269 on the season, Kurland went 1-for-4, but his lone hit proved to be Florida’s biggest. His single pushed the Gators ahead 7-3 in the seventh and put the game out of reach.

It became a bullpen game for Vanderbilt after starter Tyler Baird exited following two innings. The Commodores used six pitchers in an attempt to slow Florida’s offense, and many of them succeeded against designated hitter Caden McDonald. After a scorching April helped him earn a spot in the starting lineup, McDonald has become one of the few Gators to cool off late in the season, striking out nine times over his last four games, including three times against Vandy.

The SEC is testing the automated ball-strike challenge system (ABS) during the SEC Tournament. Each team receives three challenges and keeps successful ones. In the second inning, Bowen took advantage after a 1-0 pitch was ruled a strike, helping King finish the at-bat with his third strikeout of the game. King finished with five strikeouts, while Bowen went 3-for-3 on challenges behind the plate.

Commodores catcher Korbin Reynolds also found success with the ABS system in the sixth inning with runners on first and second. With Cyr at the plate, Reynolds challenged a 1-2 pitch that home plate umpire Eddie Newsom ruled a ball. Reynolds won the challenge, ending the inning for Florida.

But the ABS system did not always favor Vanderbilt. In the eighth inning, with the game slipping away, Reynolds challenged a 3-1 pitch to Lawson, saying he “might as well” use the challenge. Reynolds won it, bringing Lawson back to the plate with a full count. On the next pitch, Lawson sent a ball over the right-field wall as Reynolds and the rest of Vanderbilt’s defense watched.

The Gators return to the diamond Thursday at 8 p.m. against No. 4 seed Alabama. Florida will face a Crimson Tide team playing its first game of the tournament just 50 miles from its home field. The Gators have found success on the road this season, going 14-5, though three of those losses came against Alabama during a series sweep earlier in SEC play.

“Just looking forward to playing tomorrow.,” O’Sullivan said. “We know we have our hands full. You don’t have to tell me who is going to be pitching against us. We’re fully aware of [Tyler] Fay.

Of the 12 SEC teams still alive after the 2026 NCAA Regionals concluded Sunday, nine made it to the next round, tying its own all-time record. This time, Alabama, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Florida, Tennessee, Georgia, LSU and Mississippi State all advanced to the Super Regionals. 

No. 2 Florida is set to host one of its toughest tests of the season, No. 3 Texas Tech. The Red Raiders are looking to get back to the WCWS for revenge from last year’s defeat in the final. The last time Florida faced Texas Tech was Feb. 28, 2009.

The Gators cruised through the NCAA Gainesville Regional last weekend, going 3-0 and outscoring opponents 25-2. Florida ace Keagan Rothrock threw 15 innings while allowing two runs, five hits with 13 strikeouts. Taylor Shumaker hit two homers to reach the 40 career homer club, putting her 10th in the UF all-time home run leaders. 

For Texas Tech, it was not smooth sailing in the NCAA Lubbock Regional. The Red Raiders trailed 8-0 to Ole Miss in the seventh with only one out left but clawed back to make history. They became the first team this century to come back when trailing by eight or more runs in an NCAA tournament game (previous teams were 0-640).

The SEC has a chance to break the record of five conference teams in the WCWS set by the PAC-10 in 1999. The SEC has been close, matching the record in 2015 and 2025.

Out of the nine teams, six will match up against each other, guaranteeing three SEC teams in the Women’s College World Series. 

Alabama, the overall No. 1 seed, cruised through a tough Tuscaloosa Regional to set up a rivalry matchup with No. 4 LSU in the Super Regional. The Tigers faced a tough Virginia Tech team twice but prevailed both times.

Softball powerhouse No. 1 Oklahoma run-ruled opponents in two of their three games to set a date with No. 5 Mississippi State. 

Mississippi State dominated the Eugene Regional, where hosts Oregon saw itself ousted before championship Sunday. The Ducks were shut out, 4-0, by the Bulldogs behind Alyssa Faircloth’s first career no-hitter and the first NCAA tournament no-hitter in program history.

No. 2 Tennessee will face rivals No. 3 Georgia in a tense matchup. The Vols and Bulldogs had no problems in Regional play as they both went 3-0.

No. 1 Texas, the reigning national champions, will host the Big 12 champions, No. 5 Arizona State. The Longhorns also won the SEC tournament in 2026.

The Sun Devils marched into the College Station Regional and beat hosts No. 4 Texas A&M twice, once on Saturday and the second time in Sunday’s championship game.

Arkansas will face No. 3 Duke, which survived the Durham Regional by beating Arizona twice on championship Sunday to reach its fourth Super Regional in the last five years. 

As a conference, the SEC went 33-6 in Regional play, with losses coming from the eliminated Texas A&M, Ole Miss and South Carolina. The conference looks to reach new heights in the WCWS starting Thursday.

While the show ranks the greatest Gators, running alongside it all summer is a separate question. What is the single greatest moment in UF athletics history?

The Greatest Gators Moments Bracket is now live, and the first quadrant is open for voting.

The 2008 National Championship against the 2023 College World Series. The 1996 National Championship against Danny Wuerffel’s Heisman.

You decide which moments advance. Voting closes Thursday, May 21 at 1:59 p.m.

The 35 — Revealed So Far

Episode 1 — The Forgotten Legends May 14, 2026

35

James Bates

Football · Linebacker · 1992–96 • Senior captain of the 1996 national championship team

34

Jason Williams

Basketball · Guard · 2000–02 • Florida single-game record: 17 assists vs. Duquesne

33

Kerwin Bell

Football · Quarterback · 1984–87 • Walk-on to 1984 SEC Player of the Year as a freshman

32

Ike Hilliard

Football · Wide Receiver · 1994–96 • Three TDs in the 1997 Sugar Bowl, including the iconic “stop and pop”

31

Shane Matthews

Football · Quarterback · 1990–92 • Spurrier’s first QB • Two-time SEC Player of the Year • Led the 1991 SEC Championship

Next Thursday — May 21 at 2 PM

Episode 2 — The Championship Builders

No. 30 through No. 26 revealed live on WRUF 98.1

Listen Live

HOW TO FOLLOW ALONG

Listen live every Thursday 2–3 p.m. on WRUF 98.1

Watch and submit questions live on YouTube

Vote in the bracket each week

Text your takes to 352-325-3777 — best ones go on air live

The 35: Greatest Gators of All Time. Thursdays 2–3 p.m. on WRUF 98.1. May 14 through July 2.

The No. 19 Gators (34-18, 15-12 SEC) have climbed to sixth in the SEC standings after back-to-back conference series wins over Oklahoma and Kentucky. Entering a three-game series against LSU, starting Thursday, Florida is in position to secure a bye in the SEC Tournament and a projected 10-seed to host the NCAA Regional.

The team’s success has coincided with the emergence of Caden McDonald.

Two weeks ago against then-No. 15 Oklahoma, McDonald showcased his skills on both sides after earning a spot in the lineup against Texas A&M the week prior. He became the first Gator to bat and pitch since Jac Caglianone in 2024.

After undergoing Tommy John surgery during his first year at Florida, McDonald made 20 relief appearances last season, posting a perfect 4-0 record with a 5.14 ERA and 29 strikeouts in 28 innings pitched.

“Some people may question, ‘why didn’t you hit him earlier?’ But in all fairness, some other guys had played well, and he wanted to focus on his pitching,” UF coach Kevin O’Sullivan said. “The lack of production, it’s easy to second guess because he’s having so much success, but better late than never.”

In Florida’s 10-5 win in game two against Oklahoma, McDonald hit 4-for-5 with two home runs and six RBIs. On the mound, he followed starting pitcher Liam Peterson’s 4 ⅔ innings with three innings of relief, allowing just one hit while striking out four to record the win.

The Gators carried that momentum into last weekend’s rainy series against Kentucky. Despite seven total hours of weather delays over the three days, Florida secured the series with a walk-off win Friday and a strong showing Sunday.
McDonald shined once again in the finale, hitting 2-for-3 with a two-run home run during a rain-soaked afternoon. The organic chemistry major also recorded the win on the mound, bringing his record to 5-1 with 4 ⅓ shutout innings and six strikeouts.

“I always envisioned myself doing this ever since I was in high school doing it as well,” McDonald said. “It’s been awesome the past few weeks.”

Following Brian Johnson (2010-2012) and fellow Tampa native Caglianone (2022-2024), McDonald is the third Gator in program history to record a home run, throw three or more scoreless innings and earn the win in a single game. He achieved the feat twice over the last two weekends.

“It’s not easy to do at this level,” O’Sullivan said. “Usually one side of the game has got to come a little bit easier than the other, like for Cags, hitting was a little bit easier than the pitching side. There’s only so many hours in the day.

“Going back to Brian Johnson, pitching was easy for him, strikes were easy, and the hitting thing took a little bit more time. With Caden, I haven’t figured it out yet, honestly. He’s just playing really well right now, and we’re going to ride it as long as we can.”

Looking ahead, the Gators travel to Baton Rouge for one final regular-season test before tournament play begins.

The LSU Tigers baseball (30-23, 10-17 SEC) have had a rough season following last year’s national title and enter the series 14th in the conference standings after getting swept at Georgia last weekend.

D1Baseball projects that LSU will not make the NCAA Tournament and is no longer on the bubble after its last outing.

Florida last played the Tigers in the 2024 regular season, taking the final two games in Baton Rouge. With a chance for history to repeat itself in this storied rivalry, the Gators could have an opportunity to climb from sixth place in the SEC standings.

Tied with Mississippi State Bulldogs baseball and Arkansas Razorbacks baseball in conference play, Florida would need help from seeds two through five — Texas A&M Aggies baseball (16-10), Texas Longhorns baseball (16-10), Alabama Crimson Tide baseball (16-11) and Auburn Tigers baseball (16-11) — to have a shot at a double-bye in the SEC Tournament. Georgia Bulldogs baseball has already secured the SEC regular-season title with a 21-6 record.

The SEC Tournament begins May 19, before NCAA Regional play starts 10 days later.