The Jon Sumrall era is officially underway in Gainesville, and Florida fans are hoping it marks the beginning of a long-awaited turnaround.
Before Sumrall and the Gators take the field against Florida Atlantic on September 5, they’ll get their first real look at the new regime during spring practice. Florida’s spring schedule is set: 14 practices beginning March 3 and running through April 9, with the annual Orange and Blue Game wrapping things up on April 11. That scrimmage will offer the first glimpse at how Sumrall’s vision is taking shape-and which players are ready to take the next step.
The Gators are coming off a turbulent stretch that saw Billy Napier’s tenure end partway through his fourth season. In response, Florida turned to one of the hottest names in college football.
Sumrall made waves in 2025 by guiding Tulane to its first-ever College Football Playoff appearance, capping an 11-3 campaign that solidified his reputation as a rising star. Add in his successful run at Troy, and Sumrall enters Gainesville with a combined 43-12 record-proof that he knows how to build a winner.
But building Florida back into a contender won’t happen overnight. There are still key questions to answer this spring, and none looms larger than the quarterback situation.
DJ Lagway, once considered the future of the program, has entered the transfer portal. While reports suggest he’s close to committing to Baylor, nothing is official yet, leaving the door slightly ajar.
Still, it’s clear Florida will need to identify who’s next in line under center-and fast. Whether it’s a returning player, a transfer, or a freshman stepping up, Sumrall’s offense will need a reliable leader to take the reins.
Not all the offseason news has been uncertain, though. One major win for the Gators came in the form of Jadan Baugh’s return.
The standout running back, who rushed for 1,170 yards last season, has signed an NIL deal that keeps him in Gainesville through at least 2026. That’s a big-time boost for Florida’s backfield, giving Sumrall a proven playmaker to lean on as he installs his system.
With spring practice on the horizon, Florida enters a crucial evaluation period. It’s a chance for Sumrall to set the tone, establish his culture, and start molding a roster that’s eager to compete in the SEC again.
The schedule is set. The stage is ready.
Now it’s time to see what the Gators are made of.