The Florida Gators are continuing to reshape their football infrastructure under new head coach Jon Sumrall, and the latest addition is a key off-field hire that could have major implications for the program’s recruiting and roster-building strategy. According to reports, Florida is set to bring in Cody Collins as its new director of scouting - a move that adds another experienced eye to a growing front office led by general manager Dave Caldwell.
Collins comes to Gainesville after holding the same position at Georgia Tech, and before that, he spent four years in Georgia’s personnel and recruiting department from 2020 to 2024. A 2022 graduate of Georgia, Collins has been embedded in two Power Five programs known for strong recruiting footprints, and now he brings that background to a Florida staff looking to build something sustainable - and fast.
This isn’t just about adding another name to the org chart. The Gators’ front office is starting to look like a modern-day NFL-style operation, with Caldwell at the center.
After years in the league - including a stint as general manager of the Jacksonville Jaguars and time in the Eagles’ front office - Caldwell joined Florida with a clear mission: overhaul the way the Gators approach roster construction. So far, the early returns are promising.
Working alongside Sumrall this offseason, Caldwell helped orchestrate a recruiting and retention effort that was both aggressive and efficient. Florida signed 18 of its 19 existing commitments, held on to more than 40 players from last year’s roster, and brought in 30 players from the transfer portal.
That’s not just a rebuild - that’s a full-scale reengineering of the roster. And it’s happening with intent.
Among the key players sticking around are Jadan Baugh, Dallas Wilson, Vernell Brown III, Myles Graham, and Jayden Woods - names that could form the backbone of Florida’s next competitive team. Holding onto that kind of talent, while also pulling in impact players from the portal, speaks volumes about the vision Sumrall and Caldwell are selling.
And speaking of Sumrall, this hire continues to reflect his approach to building a program. After leading Tulane to its first-ever College Football Playoff appearance this past season, Sumrall arrived in Gainesville with momentum - and clearly, with a plan. He’s surrounding himself with personnel experts who understand both the college game and the modern recruiting landscape, and Collins fits that mold.
Florida opens the 2026 season at home against Florida Atlantic on September 5. By then, the roster will have a very different look - but more importantly, it’ll have a structure behind it that’s built to compete in today’s college football world. With Collins now in the fold, the Gators are adding another piece to that puzzle.