Two weeks ago, I wrote about the possibility of Florida’s tight end room turning into an unexpected strength. Three weeks into the 2026 season, it’s become a reality.
“I trust those guys as much as I trust anybody,” head coach Jon Sumrall said after Florida improved to 3-0 on the year.
Florida’s tight ends haven’t necessarily filled up the stat sheet, which is to be expected given the Gators’ abundance of skill-position players, but they’ve made a big impact in the blocking game and consistently come up in the clutch.
Prior to the season, the tight end room left a lot to be desired, on paper at least. It was a major question mark. There wasn’t a clear, well-rounded option, with the players possessing very different skill sets. But with the help of tight ends coach Evan McKissack, Florida has not only made it work, but turned the group into a consistent, reliable unit week in and week out.
“I’ll be very honest with you. I told our offensive staff in the middle of spring, I’m like, I feel like that room right now is the land of misfit toys – like who’s what? Coach McKissack has done an unbelievable job,” Sumrall said.
“That group has grown as much as any group I’ve seen in a stretch from I would say February to right now as any position group I’ve ever been affiliated with this game – it’s really cool to see. I’m very proud of all of them.”
Week 3 was Florida’s first true test of the season against an Auburn defense that has been rather dominant under defensive coordinator DJ Durkin for the past two seasons. The Gators answered the call.
Junior Amir Jackson showed his athletic ability on a 48-yard reception on a pass from wide receiver Kahleil Jackson. This was a double pass called on a critical third and 8 in the second quarter. Jackson tracked the ball perfectly and laid out for the grab.
Oh, and Jackson ranks as the second-best run blocking tight end in college football, according to Pro Football Focus.
Senior Lacota Dippre has also been a force in the blocking game. Lining up as a fullback on a fourth-and-1 in the fourth quarter, Dippre took on two defenders at once, paving the way for running back Jadan Baugh to take it 53 yards to the house.
“He’s brought a physicality and a toughness and an edge to our offense that we’ve needed,” Sumrall said of Dippre. “Lacota was our offensive player of the week a week ago, and he didn’t have any production of the game – just by how he blocked.”
Also in on that long touchdown run was senior Evan Chieca, who made his Florida debut against Auburn. He perfectly identified and blocked All-American linebacker Elijah Melendez.
“Chieca was back this week and you felt him,” Sumrall said.
Junior Luke Harpring has made a few standout plays in the pass game, leading all tight ends with five receptions for 63 yards.
“Then you look at Harpring is kind of like a Swiss Army knife a little bit. He’s good at a little bit of everything.”
There’s not one player carrying the tight end room. It’s been a collective effort that’s resulted in a high level of play from the entire group. What was once perhaps the team’s biggest question mark is now a dependable unit that plays with the right effort and attitude.
The progression of the tight end room has been a big reason for Florida’s early success. And with SEC play now underway, the Gators will need that reliability to continue. Florida’s effectiveness in 12 personnel is giving offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner even more flexibility within his offense.