Florida announced the dates for the upcoming season, including 16 home games.

The season tips off on Nov. 2 against Miami in Tampa before returning to the Stephen C. O’Connell Center for the home opener against Jacksonville three days later.

Florida will host Saturday games against Vanderbilt, Missouri, Texas, Georgia and Kentucky, and mid-week games against Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas A&M and Ole Miss.

Previously announced, the Gators’ season is highlighted by the Players Era 8 Tournament and an at-home matchup against Duke for the SEC-ACC Challenge.

After playing a home game against Merrimack, the Gators head to Las Vegas from Nov. 17-19 to compete in the Players Era 8 as a first-time participant. The Gators first meet Notre Dame. If they move on, they will play the winner of Houston and Rutgers on the second day before the $1 million championship game.

On Dec. 1, the Blue Devils are coming to the O’Dome for the first time since 1937, looking to beat Florida in back-to-back seasons.

The regular season closes at home against Kentucky on March 6, followed by the SEC Tournament in Nashville, beginning March 10.

This year, the Gators are out for redemption. After winning the SEC regular season title for the first time since 2014, the Gators finished 27-8 with a 16-2 record in the SEC. Despite going into the NCAA tournament on a high note, they had an early exit in the second round against Iowa.

Going into his fifth season with the Gators, Todd Golden was able to retain his core roster of seniors Alex Condon, Reuben Chinyelu and Thomas Haugh.

The trio returns with many accolades. Condon picked up all-conference recognition for his third consecutive year, Chinyelu was named National and SEC Defensive Player of the Year and Haugh earned All-American recognition.

Junior Jadan Baugh leads the way for Florida as a running back on the second team and an all-purpose player on the third team. He is joined by two fellow Gators on the third team, Vernell Brown III as a return specialist and Jayden Woods as a defensive lineman.

The trio adds to the list of eight players who were selected for last year’s preseason All-SEC teams, many of whom are now playing professionally in the NFL.

Baugh returns after an impressive run in his sophomore season as a starter in all 12 games. He recorded 220 carries for 1,170 yards and eight rushing touchdowns, adding 185 receiving yards on 31 receptions. His season rush line ranks sixth-most in UF history and makes him the third underclassman to exceed 1,000 rushing yards in a season.

Brown served as the primary punt and kick returner in most games last season. His freshman year was highlighted by six starts across 10 games played at wide receiver, catching 40 passes for 512 yards and adding 261 yards in the return game. He was selected for three 2025 Freshman All-SEC honors: as a wide receiver, an all-purpose player and a return specialist.

Woods appeared in all 12 games last season, highlighted by two starts. He logged 28 tackles, 3 1/2 sacks, an interception and five tackles for loss. He became the first true Gator freshman to lead or co-lead the team in sacks since 1992. Woods joined Brown as a 2025 Freshman All-SEC selection and carries that momentum into the preseason.

The Gators open the 2026 season with a home game against Florida Atlantic on Sept. 5.

At SEC Media Days on Wednesday, the Florida coach addressed the current state of the unit.

“I’ve been really pleased with the growth of our offensive line this summer,” he said. “In particular, the weight room.”

Having a strong line of scrimmage is a must for the Gators if they want to compete in the SEC. Sumrall went as far as to call the SEC a “line-of-scrimmage league,” saying the team needs to be physical up front to win.

The position group has taken strides toward improving both in the weight room and on the field.

“They embraced the challenge and worked hard,” he said. “I think we got great leadership in that room.”

Sumrall pointed to transfers Harrison Moore and TJ Shanahan as two players who have helped set a standard in the weight room and elevate the position group.

Moore played center for Georgia Tech last season under new Florida offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner, starting eight of the 11 games he appeared in. Shanahan started five games at guard for Penn State last season before following offensive line coach and former Florida national champion Phil Trautwein to Gainesville.

Through spring ball, the coaching staff experimented with players at multiple positions to find the best fit across the line. That evaluation is still ongoing heading into fall camp.

“I don’t know if it was fair to them in the spring to really assess where we’ll play as a whole unit on the O-line come this fall,” Sumrall said.

Of the 20 offensive linemen on Florida’s current roster, nine are freshmen. This year’s starting unit will look almost entirely different from last season’s after Sumrall lost key players in center Jake Slaughter and lineman Austin Barber.

“We’ve only got two guys that really started football games at the University of Florida that are returners,” Sumrall said.

Guard Knijeah Harris is the only returning lineman who started every game for the Gators in 2025, while 2024 All-SEC Freshman Bryce Lovett started two games and played in all 12.

Sumrall said he’s proud of where the group stands heading into fall camp and believes the players have embraced the challenge.

“Those guys have worked incredibly hard,” he said. “They have a lot of pride in their craft and what they’re doing. And I’m very direct. When we do something well, I tell our guys we did it well. When we don’t, I let them know it wasn’t good enough.”

WRUF has announced a three-year partnership with the Jacksonville Jaguars that brings live coverage of every preseason, regular season and postgame games to WRUF. All games will be heard on 103.7 The Gator. The signal reaches coast to coast across northern Florida and as far south as The Villages, putting Jaguars broadcasts in front of one of the team’s largest regional fan bases. Select games will be heard on 850 AM/98.1 FM/103.7 HD2 (ESPN Gainesville). 

The deal is the first of its kind between an NFL franchise and a major research university, and it goes well beyond the broadcast booth.

Randy Wright, Executive Director of UF’s Division of Media Properties, laid out what student access will actually look like in practice.

“Advanced level sports journalism students at the College of Journalism and Communications, working at ESPN affiliate WRUF, will have the opportunity to serve as beat reporters for the Jacksonville Jaguars — in both print and electronic media,” Wright said. “Students will have access to the same opportunities as professional journalists who cover the Jaguars daily. Weekly access to press conferences and locker room access are incorporated into the partnership, and dedicated positions in the press box with postgame media access and sideline access on game day.”

Photojournalism students will also be part of the mix, with dedicated sideline passes and access to not only games but practices and training camp as well. Student content will air on WRUF-AM and WRUF-FM, publish on WRUF.com, and appear on WUFT-TV.

The access begins when Jacksonville opens training camp later this summer in preparation for the 2026 NFL season.

“We are committed to providing hands-on learning for students, and this partnership will open up countless opportunities for our aspiring sports journalists,” said Hub Brown, dean of UF’s College of Journalism and Communications.

Jaguars VP of Sales and Marketing Chris Gargani, a UF graduate himself, called the arrangement a natural fit. “The Jaguars and the University of Florida are uniquely positioned to partner as the first NFL team and elite research institution to combine gameday broadcast coverage with hands-on career development for emerging talent,” he said. “We are looking forward to expanding our presence to our large fan base and contributing to the professional development of UF journalism students through this one-of-a-kind relationship.”

UF is one of a small number of major research universities in the country that operates commercial media — a distinction that made this kind of partnership possible.+

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.