The Florida Gators are heading into 2026 with a fresh look, a new leader, and a changing roster that signals the start of a new era in Gainesville. After parting ways with head coach Billy Napier, the Gators turned to Jon Sumrall-formerly of Tulane-to guide the program forward.
And the changes haven’t stopped at the top. With quarterback DJ Lagway planning to enter the transfer portal, Florida’s offense will be undergoing a major reset.
But it’s not just on the field where the transformation is happening. Off the field, Sumrall is assembling a new staff, and one of his latest additions comes with SEC roots.
Ryland Goede, a former four-star tight end and Georgia Bulldog, is expected to join Florida’s staff in an off-the-field offensive analyst role. It’s a move that adds a familiar name to the Gators’ sideline-albeit one that previously wore red and black.
Goede’s college football journey is a testament to perseverance. He arrived at Georgia in 2019 with high expectations, but a shoulder injury early in his career limited his impact on the field.
Still, he was part of two national championship teams in Athens during the Bulldogs’ dominant run in 2021 and 2022. Beyond football, Goede also suited up for Georgia’s baseball team in 2020 and 2021, showcasing his versatility as a two-sport athlete.
After the 2022 season, Goede transferred to Mississippi State for a year, then wrapped up his playing career at Georgia Tech in 2024. That final season marked a turning point-he stepped into a graduate assistant role with the Yellow Jackets, beginning his transition from player to coach.
Now, he’s taking the next step in that journey under Sumrall at Florida. While his new position as an offensive analyst won’t put him in front of the cameras or on the sidelines during games, it’s a critical developmental role. These types of positions are often stepping stones for young coaches, giving them a chance to learn the ins and outs of game-planning, film study, and offensive schematics without the pressure of calling plays.
For Goede, this opportunity is about building a foundation. He’s joining a staff that’s trying to rebuild a program from the ground up, and that kind of environment can be fertile ground for young coaches looking to make their mark.
His background as a former player at multiple Power Five programs, including two SEC schools, gives him a unique perspective. He’s seen what it takes to win at the highest level, and now he gets to bring that experience into a coaching room that’s looking to establish a new identity.
While Georgia fans might do a double take seeing one of their former players on the Florida staff, Goede’s move is part of the natural evolution of the coaching world. Rivalries run deep, but coaching careers often cross enemy lines. What matters now is what Goede does with this chance-and if his past is any indication, he’s ready to make the most of it.
Florida’s rebuild under Jon Sumrall is just beginning, and adding a young, motivated coach like Ryland Goede to the mix is one more sign that the Gators are embracing change from top to bottom.