As Jon Sumrall tackles a daunting SEC schedule with Aaron Philo at quarterback, analyst Josh Pate weighs in on whether Florida’s roster can realistically reach eight wins.
Former Florida Gators head coach Steve Spurrier really upped the expectations for new head coach Jon Sumrall when he sugared a nine win season should be the floor this fall.
Sumrall didn't enter Florida with a bare cupboard. However, his roster is still about $15 million behind the top teams in the SEC. The Gators have questions about the offensive line and at quarterback, though the team named Aaron Philo the starter on Monday.
During "Josh Pate's College Football Show" on Sunday, the host disagreed with his producer Jesse's opinion that Florida would go 9-3 this year. Pate thinks those expectations are unfair for Sumrall. He thinks UF could go 8-4.
"I think Sumrall inherited a good enough squad here," Pate said. "Plus Sumrall is just good enough himself to get 8-4 out of this team this year. That is reasonable. Now Jesse said, well, it was one game. What's the difference?
"Well, one game is a ton of difference, Jesse. But I think 8-4 is closer to like me pressing my head against the ceiling, instead of just a most likely scenario. So, if anything, I'm airing on the upside with Florida."
How Florida does will depend on the play of Philo. Pate thinks Florida will be set up for success if he can be a competent game manager this fall.
“Listen, really good at tailback, really good at wide receiver," Pate said. "Aaron Pjilo, I think slash hope in time is going to be a plenty good enough quarterback here. This is not a team that has to have a superstar, transcendent talent at quarterback.
"They could, frankly, they could have boring quarterback play. And maybe the more boring, the better down there... And so a lot of you throw around the term game manager in a pejorative manner. I don't. I think it's a compliment.”
Given the strength of schedule, and 8-4 season should feel like a major win for Sumrall and the Gators. With better resources in 2027, Sumrall could get Florida into the College Football Playoff next season.
The worst thing that could happen would be for Sumrall to underdeliver this fall. So temper your expectations.
