The Florida Gators’ defense just got a major boost heading into 2026, as standout linebacker Myles Graham has confirmed he’s returning for his junior season. The announcement came via the UF collective, Florida Victorious, and it signals a strong commitment from one of the Gators’ most promising young leaders.
Graham, a Florida legacy, has deep roots in Gainesville. He wears No. 5-the same number his father, Earnest Graham, donned during his days as a star running back under Steve Spurrier.
But this return isn’t just about family ties. It’s about unfinished business and a belief in what’s being built under the new regime.
Graham spoke about his first impression of newly hired head coach Jon Sumrall, and it’s clear the message landed.
“We loved him, man. He was intense.
He told us straight up that he wasn’t going to back down,” Graham said. “He was ready for the challenge and we loved him.
I feel like a lot of guys bought into that.”
That kind of no-nonsense energy is exactly what Florida’s locker room needed. Sumrall’s arrival has already started to reshape the Gators’ identity, and bringing in Brad White-formerly Kentucky’s defensive coordinator-is another big piece of the puzzle.
For Graham, White’s vision for the defense is personal.
“He preached to me that he needs me here and, you know, the defense is going to run through me,” Graham said. “So he has a great appreciation for the linebacker position and him playing it. We can relate in that way and we can build our relationship in that way.”
That mutual understanding between coach and player could be the foundation of something special. White, a former linebacker himself, knows the value of a field general in the middle of the defense-and Graham fits that mold perfectly.
The numbers back it up. In 2025, Graham started every game for the Gators and racked up 76 total tackles, including 7 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 7 quarterback hurries, and 4 pass breakups. He was everywhere, anchoring a defense that leaned on his instincts, speed, and leadership.
Now, with a new staff in place and a defense that’s expected to revolve around him, Graham has the opportunity to take another leap-not just as a player, but as the heartbeat of a unit looking to re-establish itself in the SEC.
Florida’s defense has been searching for an identity. With Graham back in the fold, and a coaching staff that believes in him as the centerpiece, they may have just found it.