This Florida Gators has decided to make an obvious statement with this major change.
Last year, no player on the Florida Gators wore No. 1 because the team did not want anyone to have a sense of entitlement.
Things have certainly changed heading into 2026, as a pair of Florida players have decided to don the No. 1: wide receiver Vernell Brown and safety Bryce Thornton.
Brown is certainly the more notable name because of what he achieved as a freshman in 2025, catching 40 passes for 512 yards.
A former four-star recruit, there was speculation that Brown could enter the transfer portal after his debut campaign, but he decided to re-sign with Florida thanks to new head coach Jon Sumrall, who has already made quite an impression in Gainesville.
Brown is a breakout candidate for the Gators going into his sophomore year, but he will certainly have some competition in the receiving corps.
Florida added numerous wide receivers in the transfer portal, with Eric Singleton, Bailey Stockton and Jaylen Lloyd being the most notable names.
Not only that, but the Gators are returning 6-foot-3 wide out Dallas Wilson, who was limited by foot injuries most of this past season and actually had to undergo surgery late in the year.
Florida Gators receiver Vernell Brown. Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images.Because of what Brown accomplished in 2025, he should be the team's No. 1 receiver at the moment, but Sumrall and the coaching staff will get all of that sorted out in camp.
It also depends on quarterback Aaron Philo, Florida's transfer addition who needs to get comfortable in his new digs.
But it seems clear that Brown — who previously wore the No. 8 — is making a statement with his number choice for Year 2.
The Gators went 4-8 in 2025 and have posted four losing campaigns over their last five seasons, representing one of the worst stretches in program history.
Florida was once one of the top football schools in the country, but it has largely faded into irrelevancy over the last decade.
The Gators are counting on Sumrall to turn things around in the Swamp.
Sumrall previously coached Troy and Tulane, splitting four years at the two schools. He went 43-12 during that span, most recently leading Tulane to an 11-3 record and a College Football Playoff appearance.
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