Urban Meyer knows what championship-caliber football looks like in Gainesville - he helped build it. So when the former Florida Gators head coach goes on record with a bold endorsement of new head coach Jon Sumrall, it’s not just talk. It’s a signal that the Gators might finally be turning the corner after a rough few years.
Let’s be honest: Florida hasn’t looked like Florida in a while. The Gators went 4-8 in 2025, marking their fourth losing season in the last five years. For a program that once set the standard in college football - especially during Meyer’s run from 2005 to 2010 that included two national titles and three 13-win seasons - that’s a staggering fall from grace.
But Meyer’s message on The Triple Option podcast was clear: Don’t sleep on the Gators.
“You watch out for Florida, man,” Meyer said. “I’m buying that stock right now.
I’m buying it. That Swamp is gonna be like a jet engine, like it used to be.”
That’s high praise, and it’s not without reason. Florida has been aggressive this offseason, landing one of the top transfer portal classes in the nation. Jon Sumrall didn’t just reload the roster - he also convinced several key veterans to stick around, a crucial move for a program trying to rebuild its identity.
Still, this is the SEC. Winning in this league takes more than a few splashy portal pickups.
It requires relentless recruiting, sharp player development, and the kind of week-to-week adaptability that separates contenders from pretenders. That’s where Sumrall’s challenge begins.
At 43, Sumrall brings four years of head-coaching experience, split between Troy and Tulane. His record?
A rock-solid 43-12. Most recently, he led Tulane to an 11-3 season and a College Football Playoff appearance - a remarkable achievement for a Group of Five program.
That kind of success doesn’t happen by accident. Sumrall clearly knows how to build a culture and win games.
But now, he steps onto a much bigger stage. Gainesville isn’t just another coaching stop - it’s a pressure cooker.
The expectations are sky-high, and the SEC doesn’t offer much room for growing pains. What worked at Troy and Tulane won’t automatically translate to Saturdays in Baton Rouge, Athens, or Tuscaloosa.
That said, Sumrall hasn’t given anyone a reason to doubt him - yet. His resume may be shorter than some, but it’s packed with results. He’s already winning over Florida fans, and if he can turn that offseason momentum into on-field success, Meyer’s prediction might not be so bold after all.
The Swamp has been quiet for too long. If Sumrall can back up the hype, it might not be long before it starts roaring like a jet engine again.