Gator Country provides our roundtable discussion, where Andrew Spivey, Gentry Hawk, and Nick Marcinko preview Florida’s 2026 season by giving out preseason awards, discussing keys to success, and predicting Florida’s record.
How would you define a successful first season for Jon Sumrall?
AS: I will start by saying, I want to see a clean run football team. Not having too many men on the field, not getting delay of game penalties out of timeouts is a big start. As far as numbers go, I would say 7 wins and being in the games of the ones they lose.
GH: During Billy Napier’s tenure as Florida’s head coach, this team struggled to find its identity and it completely hindered their potential and consistency. A successful first season for Jon Sumrall starts with figuring out who you are, what you are about, and capitalizing on that while limiting the mental mistakes. If this team can do that, the wins and success will eventually follow.
NM: Compete with the best teams on your schedule. Florida is going to lose games in 2026, but the Gators are talented enough to be competitive in every game they play. While I don’t put too much stock into win-loss records in Year 1, I would be disappointed with fewer than seven wins and would consider eight successful.
What’s are Florida’s strengths and weaknesses on both sides of the ball?
AS: On offense, it’s the running back room IMO. You can feature Evan Pryor when you need to give Jadan Baugh a break. On defense, it’s the linebacker group for me that’s the strength. The weakness are the offensive line and the interior defensive line for me. I think both have the potential to be solid but we need to see some guys step up.
GH: I think Florida’s biggest strengths come from the skill positions on the offensive side of the ball with players like Eric Singleton, Vernell Brown III, Dallas Wilson, and Jadan Baugh. As for the weaknesses, I think the Gators still have some things to figure out on the offensive line. Defensively, I think Florida’s strengths come from the linebackers in the middle with Myles Graham, Aaron Chiles and Jaden Robinson. When it comes to Florida’s weaknesses on defense, I have to go with the defensive line. This group lost a lot of key production and will have much to prove.
NM: Florida’s strength is its offensive skill positions. The wide receiver and running back rooms don’t take a back seat to anyone in the country. They also have an experienced linebacker room and are talented off the edge.The weaknesses are the offensive line and quarterback room. Defensively, I think the biggest concern is the lack of depth across the board, but especially in the secondary.
What are the keys to Florida’s season?
AS: If the offensive line can come together then this team could be scary good on offense. I know you may say well what about the QB position but I think Aaron Philo and Trammel Jones are ready to run this offense.
GH: I think the biggest keys for the Gators start with the offensive line and figuring out your quarterback situation long term. If this team is going to click and find success under a new offensive scheme, Florida’s offensive line must make life easy for Jadan Baugh and whichever quarterback can limit the mistakes the most.
NM: This team can go as far as the offensive line takes them. This is assuming the team stays relatively healthy across the board.
Offensive MVP?
AS: Jadan Baugh and he shows why he should be the top back in the country.
GH: I’ve got to go with Jadan Baugh as my offensive MVP. The junior running back will be the focal point under Buster Faulkner and his offensive scheme.
NM: Jadan Baugh. He’ll be utilized a ton this year in different areas of the game.
Defensive MVP?
AS: The easy answer is Myles Graham but I’m going to go with Jayden Woods. I think Woods will have a lot of chances to impact the game in Brad White’s defense.
GH: Myles Graham is my MVP on the defensive side of the ball. Graham is a true leader on this team and will prove it in his junior season after leading the Gators in tackles as a sophomore.
NM: I’m going Jayden Woods. I think you’ll see why Texas wanted him so badly out of the portal.
Breakout player of the year?
AS: I’m going to cheat here. I’m going to pick a player who’s returning and then I’m going to pick a freshman. My returner is Cormani McClain, he’s ready to prove himself this year. My freshman is KJ Ford, he’s going to be a major problem for teams off the edge.
GH: I’m going to go with Ben Hanks III at cornerback. After showcasing his potential as a true freshman while battling injuries, I think Hanks has a breakout year after taking the next step this offseason.
NM: My breakout player of the year is LJ McCray. He looks way more explosive than he ever has.
Predict Florida’s record
AS: 9-3.
GH: I’m predicting Florida to go 8-4. I think you see this team pull off one or two games that many don’t expect them to win.
NM: 8-4 (5-4 SEC)