Kurland will play for LSU with one more year of eligibility after sitting out in 2025 due to a shoulder injury. 

The move comes after the Gators missed out on Super Regional play for the second straight year. The Tampa native made it to Omaha twice, with Florida losing to the Tigers in the 2023 College World Series final and falling to Texas A&M in the 2024 semifinals.

Kurland, a redshirt junior, is eligible for the MLB draft on July 11 and has intentions to play at the next level. 

“I want the opportunity to play pro ball,” Kurland said the Gators’ last game of the season in the NCAA Gainesville Regional on June 1. 

He finished the 2026 season with a 0.279 batting average, 50 hits, 36 runs and 33 RBIs in 49 games.

In four years, Kurland hit 43 home runs and collected 200 hits, while hit by pitches a program record 52 times. He homered six times in his final 10 games in a Gators uniform, including a grand slam against Troy on May 31.

As a freshman, he notched a 0.297 batting average with 17 homers to earn 2023 Freshman All-American honors.

Asked what he would tell teammates about the portal, Kurland spoke highly of Florida.

“This place speaks for itself,” Kurland said. “It’s one of the winningest teams in all time in college baseball, and to play for a program like this, a power SEC school, it speaks for itself.”

Kurland was the eighth Gator to enter the portal, followed by his younger brother, Rivers, a left handed pitcher, two days later. 

After LSU missed out on the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2011, Kurland is the fourth transfer to join Tigers coach Jay Johnson’s 2027 roster. 

The Tigers finished the year 30-28 and 9-21 in the SEC, getting swept by Florida in the final week of the regular season. In that series, Kurland hit 4-for-11, recording two homers in the series finale.

Expected to be the most expensive stadium renovation in college football history, the university’s Board of Trustees announced a $1.45 billion plan after originally projecting $400 million in 2023, a 262% increase. 

Previously, the most expensive completed college venue renovation cost $474 million at California Memorial Stadium. Penn State is undergoing a $700 million upgrade to be completed in 2027.

“This $1.45 billion project will breathe new life into one of the nation’s most iconic college football venues and elevate it into the premier college athletic destination that sets the standard for everyone else,” UF Board of Trustees chair Mori Hosseini said in a statement.

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The project will be funded through private giving, capital reserves, project-generated revenues and financing mechanisms, including long-term debt to maintain “the long-term financial health of Florida Athletics.”

The goal is “to preserve The Swamp while preparing it for future generations.” The 88,000 capacity will remain the same while creating more suites and improving entrances, concourses and concessions. 

“This project represents an incredible opportunity to modernize and elevate the experience at one of the most iconic venues in sports while protecting the traditions that make it special,” UF athletic director Scott Stricklin said. “We are excited about the momentum surrounding this project and what it will ultimately mean for our fans, student-athletes and the future of Florida Athletics. The Swamp will be bigger, better and louder.”

The Swamp opened its doors in 1930, undergoing several improvements over its nearly 100-year history. 

While the last stadium renovations occurred in 2012 to improve the West Concourse, the last time seating was added to Ben Hill Griffin was 2003, when Florida spent $50 million to add club, press and suite seating funded by private support.

Originally thought of in 2018, the COVID-19 delayed action. However, the Board of Trustees met at 4 p.m. Thursday for approval of the plan ranging from 2027 through 2030.

“The UF Board of Trustees will be taking the first important steps today toward launching the long-awaited and much anticipated renovation of our beloved Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, aka The Swamp,” Hosseini said.

Episode 5 of The 35 — WRUF 98.1’s summer countdown of the greatest athletes in University of Florida history — aired Wednesday and delivered five names that define what Florida looks like at its absolute best. Grant Holloway, the 2024 Olympic gold medalist who won eight NCAA titles and broke a 40-year-old record at Florida, joined the show alongside Lauren Haeger, the two-time national champion who shares a statistical club with only one other person in the history of baseball — Babe Ruth. Danny Wuerffel, the only Florida player to win the Heisman Trophy outright and the quarterback who delivered the program’s first national championship, also joined the conversation.

Here’s who made the cut at No. 15 through No. 11:

Episode 5 — The Program Pillars June 11, 2026

15

Al Horford

Basketball · Center/Power Forward · 2004–07 • Two-time NCAA champion • 5× NBA All-Star • 2024 NBA champion

14

Grant Holloway

Track & Field · 110M Hurdles · 2017–19 • 8 NCAA titles • Broke 40-year NCAA record (12.98) • 2024 Olympic gold

13

Danny Wuerffel

Football · Quarterback · 1993–96 • 1996 Heisman Trophy • 114 career TDs (Florida record) • 1996 National Champion • CFB Hall of Fame

12

Lauren Haeger

Softball · Pitcher/First Base · 2012–15 • 2× National Champion • 71 HR & 73 wins — only Babe Ruth has done both • 2015 National POY

11

Billy Donovan

Basketball · Head Coach · 1996–2015 • 2× NCAA champion (2006, 2007) • 467 wins (Florida record) • Only coach to repeat with same starting five in modern era

Next Thursday — June 19 at 2 PM

Episode 6 — The Mount Rushmore Conversation

No. 10 through No. 6 revealed live on WRUF 98.1

Listen Live

The Greatest Gators Moments Bracket has reached the Sweet 8. All four matchups are live — 2008 Football Championship vs. 1996 Football Championship, 2006 Football Championship vs. 2017 College World Series, 2006 Men’s Basketball Title vs. Tebow’s Promise Speech, and the Gymnastics Three-Peat vs. the 2007 Men’s Basketball Title (Repeat). Vote before Thursday, June 19 at 1:59 pm. Results announced live on WRUF 98.1.

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.

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.