Jon Sumrall takes over as Florida’s head coach after leading Tulane to the 2025 College Football Playoff. Buster Faulkner joins as offensive coordinator, and Georgia Tech transfer Aaron Philo follows him to Florida after DJ Lagway’s transfer to Baylor. Philo was named Florida’s starting quarterback entering the 2026 season. Jadan Baugh returns at running back after averaging 98 rushing yards per game last season, while Cincinnati transfer Evan Pryor joins the backfield. Vernell Brown III returns as the leading receiver. Update (Oct. 13): WR Vernell Brown III has missed the last two games with a knee injury. His return timetable remains uncertain. T.J. Abrams and Dallas Wilson also return in the passing game. Florida returns four of its top eight receivers from last season. Auburn transfer Eric Singleton Jr. joins the receiving corps after recording 162 receptions and 12 touchdowns during his college career. Georgia Tech transfers Luke Harpring and Bailey Stockton, along with Wake Forest transfer Micah Mays, join the tight end group. The offensive line returns Knijeah Harris after making 12 starts last season and Caden Jones after making 10, while Stanford transfer Emeka Ugorji, Georgia Tech transfer Harrison Moore, and Penn State transfer T.J. Shanahan join the group.

Brad White takes over as defensive coordinator. Florida returns seven of its top eleven tacklers from last season, including its top two linebackers, Myles Graham and Bryce Thornton. Aaron Chiles and Jaden Robinson also return at linebacker, while Kamran James and Brendan Bett return along the defensive front. James led Florida in sacks last season. In the secondary, Alfonzo Allen joins Thornton among the returning safeties, while Baylor transfer D.J. Coleman joins the unit.

Johnathan Galante takes over as special teams coordinator after previously coaching at Tulane. Tulane transfer Patrick Durkin joins the Gators after connecting on 89% of his field-goal attempts last season, while fellow Tulane transfer Alec Clark arrives after averaging 46.5 yards per punt. Vernell Brown III returns with return-game experience.

Overall, Florida enters 2026 with a new coaching staff and returns seven of its top eleven tacklers, plus its leading rusher, leading receiver, and multiple offensive linemen with starting experience. Brown’s knee injury has added a challenge for the passing game as the Gators continue adjusting to their new offensive system.