David Pollack is buying into Florida’s next chapter.
The Georgia legend and college football analyst said on a recent episode of his See Ball Get Ball podcast that the Gators could be “dangerous” in Year 1 under Jon Sumrall, and he didn’t stop there. Pollack made it clear he expects Florida to make noise as soon as the 2026 season.
“Florida is going to get somebody or some bodies, I can promise you that this season. And you’re going to have plenty to cheer about, Florida fans,” Pollack said before gushing about Sumrall.
His confidence starts with the coach. Pollack pointed to Sumrall’s track record, noting that he has won in all four of his previous seasons as a head coach at Troy and Tulane. He also highlighted Florida’s offseason addition of Buster Faulkner, who coached at Georgia before a successful run as Georgia Tech’s offensive coordinator.
“He’s won everywhere he’s been,” Pollack said of Sumrall. “Buster Faulkner, who coached at Georgia when they were winning championships, who knows how to design offenses to be a pain in Georgia’s butt.”
Pollack also singled out several Gators he believes can help drive that jump, including Jadan Baugh, Vernell Brown, Myles Graham and Dallas Wilson.
He then turned to Florida’s quarterback battle, where Georgia Tech transfer Aaron Philo and returning backup Tramell Jones Jr. are competing for the job. Philo is viewed as the favorite entering fall camp because of his connection to Faulkner, though neither quarterback brings much college experience to the table.
Florida opens against FAU on Sept. 5.
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The preseason buzz has followed. Woods was one of just three Gators named to the Preseason All-SEC Team, a reminder that the league is beginning to see what Florida has had in-house. The viral strength clip only added to the attention around him, but the bigger question for the Gators is how much of that power and recognition can translate into a real on-field impact once the season gets going. [Read more 🡒]