Please Read: Welcome to the new-look Inside the Gators
- Notebook: Depth chart released
- Former Florida Football Player Roundtable I
- Post-Fall Camp Ranking of Florida position-by-position
- Notebook: Philo named starting quarterback
- Updated Fall Football Roster
- Tulane player goes in-depth on Sumrall
Inside the Gators staffers Caden Alvis, Jackson Colding, and Mark Wheeler take an in-depth look at Florida football just days before the start of the 2026 season. Here are our superlatives, predicted statistical category leaders, and our game-by-game predicted outcomes.
PRESEASON SUPERLATIVES
Who will be the Offensive MVP?
Alvis Analysis: Jadan Baugh. He’s one of the best running backs in the country. The quarterback position has been a concern, so I envision Florida running the ball a lot this season.
Colding’s Call: With most of the wide receiver core’s projected production being based on potential, I am going with the known commodity in running back Jadan Baugh as the offensive MVP. The junior rushed for 1,170 yards despite the team finishing 4-8, and he is looking to build on that total this season. With a first-time starting quarterback in redshirt sophomore Aaron Philo, Baugh will get a heavy workload in some of Florida’s toughest games this season. He had 10 total touchdowns last season, and I expect this total to be higher at the end of this season.
On the Mark: This should be the easiest category to fill out. As Jadan Baugh goes, so go the Florida Gators. Instead of the pass setting up the run, we’ll likely see the opposite this season. If defenses have to be worried enough about Baugh that they have to stack the box, that will make life easier for UF’s passing game. If he is healthy, I would expect last year’s impressive numbers to be just the beginning for him in 2026.
Who will be the Defensive MVP?
Alvis Analysis: Jayden Woods. Woods co-led the team in sacks last season as a true freshman. There is no doubt in my mind that he will be elite on the defensive side of the ball this season.
Colding’s Call: For defensive MVP, I am going with JACK Jayden Woods, even though Myles Graham is a close second. For Florida’s pass rush to be effective this year, Woods will have to take a huge step in his game. I expect Woods to take a huge leap this year from 11 tackles and 3.5 sacks, and he will be the MVP of the defense after he boosts his numbers as a full-time starter. He will create major problems for the opposing offensive lines this year, and he will be the biggest reason for an improved Florida defense.
On the Mark: When it comes to an MVP candidate, you expect them to consistently make game-changing type of plays. Myles Graham is not only the surest tackler on the team, but he also mixed in some impact plays (7 TFL, 2 Sacks, 7 QBH, 2 PD) as well. If he can muster a few more TFLs, sacks, and maybe an INT or two, he would be a shoo-in for this award.
Who will surprise on Offense?
Alvis Analysis: Micah Mays Jr. I still can’t get over his two-touchdown spring game. Sure, it was several months ago and just one game, but man, he was impressive. The receiver room is very deep, but I expect fans to know his name by the end of the season.
Colding’s Call: Hidden behind the big three receivers in Dallas Wilson, Vernell Brown III, and Eric Singleton Jr. is wide receiver Micah Mays Jr. Mays, a junior, will be the biggest surprise in Florida’s offense this year. The staff has been impressed with him throughout fall camp, and I think he will comfortably solidify himself as the fourth wide receiver. He will be another downfield threat for this wide receiver core, and I think he will be able to haul in more long receptions like we saw in the spring game.
On the Mark: I am going to go a bit deeper into the receiver rotation here than you might expect, but I’m casting my lot with Kahleil Jackson. No, I don’t think he will lead the team in any of the significant receiver statistical categories, but I can see him putting together something like a 15-to-20 catch, 300-yard type of season. For a player who has hardly seen the field due to injuries, that should count as a pretty pleasant surprise.
Who will surprise on Defense?
Alvis Analysis: Ben Hanks III. Hanks has been turning heads all throughout fall camp. Aaron Philo complimented Hanks in his media availability, saying he had been having a great camp. TJ Abrams also was very positive about him. I expect him to do some damage in the secondary.
Colding’s Call: The biggest surprise on defense will be linebacker Ty Jackson. While his minutes behind Myles Graham, Aaron Chiles and Jaden Robinson may be limited, he will shine in the time he does play. Sumrall has said how good of a camp Jackson has had, and he will get his opportunities to showcase his abilities. When one of those three needs a few snaps off, look for Jackson to capitalize on the opportunity.
On the Mark: Going back to the spring, KJ Ford probably hasn’t received the recognition he deserves as possibly being a pass-rush specialist this season. Coming from a high-level Texas high school and spending the spring and summer in UF’s S&C program, I believe he has a chance to make his mark this season.
Who will disappoint on Offense?
Alvis Analysis: Bailey Stockton. Like I’ve said before, the receiver room is stacked. I just have a hard time seeing Stockton getting enough snaps to make the impact that he wants to make.
Colding’s Call: For me, the biggest disappointment on offense will be tight end Luke Harpring. With the amount of weapons at wide receiver and Baugh in the backfield, I think Harpring’s production will take a hit as a result. There will be too many players Philo has to get the ball to, and Harpring will not be a priority target in the open field or the red zone. While he came over from Georgia Tech with Philo, the chemistry the other receivers have with Philo will be developed and Harpring will not be needed as a safety option.
On the Mark: Out of everything included in this update, this one coming to fruition would be the dagger in the heart of Florida’s 2026 season. There is nothing on Aaron Philo‘s resume (zero career starts against P4 competition) to warrant his being handed the keys to the family car. Take away his start against FCS Gardner-Webb, and his career stat line (38/74 (51.3%) 565 yards, 1 touchdown, and 2 interceptions) doesn’t impress. The fact that Tramell Jones Jr., who has done even less than Philo at the collegiate level and doesn’t have the same level of familiarity with the offense, made this a horse race indicates to me that Philo’s ceiling isn’t all that high.
Who will disappoint on Defense?
Alvis Analysis: Cormani McClain. The former five-star is going into his senior season and has still never really lived up to that rating. Sumrall said himself that his consistency must elevate. I just don’t see him having a good enough season that would put the league on notice.
Colding’s Call: Defensive lineman L.J. McCray struggled to stay on the field last year, playing just one game. Despite being a five-star recruit, he has not played up to the ranking yet. I am skeptical of it happening this year, given injuries and an underwhelming freshman season. Being a year behind in on-field development will hurt McCray, and it will take some time for him to get back up to pace in a strong SEC.
On the Mark: It’s do-or-die time for Cormani McClain, a senior who enters the season listed as a co-starter alongside J’Vari Flowers (a sophomore). I think we are past the point where he is expected to live up to his five-star billing, but you would hope that he can at least be slightly more than a solid contributor. Since high school, the knock on him has been that his ‘want to’ doesn’t always match his talent level. If he turns that around, his inclusion here will be a misstep on my part. If he doesn’t, well…
Give Jon Sumrall a letter grade to date
Alvis Analysis: I would give him an A. Since he hasn’t coached a game yet, we don’t have much to go off of, but he has done everything right in the offseason. He’s hired elite coordinators, kept the recruiting class intact, and held onto elite playmakers from last season. His 2027 class is currently ranked 8th in the country. As of right now, he’s doing a great job.
Colding’s Call: So far, I will give Sumrall a B+. He nailed his staff hires, and his retention of Florida’s five key players in Wilson, Baugh, Brown III, Woods and Graham was key for his year one foundation. Also, the additions in the transfer portal of defensive back Kanye Clark and safety DJ Coleman will be key for this team. The things that hold him back from an A for me are how both quarterback and offensive line are unknown heading into the year.
On the Mark: When he was first hired, if we’re all being honest, there was a bit of a letdown. Not only was he not the big-name coach that many in the fanbase had set their sights on, but coming in from the G6, his resume was eerily familiar to Billy Napier’s. I’m not someone who is sold on ‘winning a press conference’ but you could sense that he brought a bit more energy than the previous head coach. Then during their first Jr. Day in early January, you could absolutely feel an increased energy level. He doesn’t really get credit for retaining most of the Class of 2026, and will say so himself. This season will determine whether or not a mistake was made in not bringing in an experienced quarterback, but to this point I think you have to give him a solid A.
PRESEASON GAME-BY-GAME PREDICTIONS
| OPPONENT | CADEN | JACKSON | MARK |
| FLORIDA ATLANTIC | UF | UF | UF |
| CAMPBELL | UF | UF | UF |
| @AUBURN | AUB | AUB | AUB |
| @OLE MISS | UF | UF | UF |
| @MISSOURI | MIZZOU | MIZZOU | UF |
| SOUTH CAROLINA | UF | UF | UF |
| @TEXAS | TEX | TEX | TEX |
| GEORGIA (Atlanta) | UF | UGA | UGA |
| OKLAHOMA | OKL | UF | OKL |
| @KENTUCKY | UF | UF | UF |
| VANDERBILT | UF | UF | UF |
| @FLORIDA STATE | UF | UF | UF |
| RECORD | 8-4 | 8-4 | 8-4 |
To be clear, this is how each of us feels a week before the start of the season. By the time game week actually rolls around, our picks will be included in the Weekly Breakdown and could change.
SEASON STATISTICAL LEADER PREDICTIONS
| CATEGORY | CADEN | JACKSON | MARK |
| RUSH YDS | Baugh | Baugh | Baugh |
| RUSH TD | Baugh | Baugh | Baugh |
| CATCHES | VBIII | VBIII | Singleton Jr. |
| REC YDS | D. Wilson | Singleton Jr. | Singleton Jr. |
| REC TD | D. Wilson | D. Wilson | Singleton Jr. |
| TACKLES | Graham | Graham | Graham |
| SACKS | Woods | Woods | K. James |
| INTS | Thornton | McClain | Hanks III |
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