Florida's bold new coach Jon Sumrall eyes immediate impact. A surprising ranking hints at a swift rise fueled by defense and playmakers.
The Florida Gators could take an unexpected leap in Year 1 of Jon Sumrall.
The Gators are in the midst of a serious quarterback competition between Aaron Philo and Tramell Jones Jr. for the upcoming season. Jones appears to have the edge after spring football, which is a surprise for Florida.
Still, most people around college football aren't expecting Philo or Jones to be elite in 2026. The Gators will need to lean on the defense and playmakers at running back and receiver if they're going to compete for a College Football Playoff spot.
Brad Crawford of CBS Sports had a surprising prediction for Florida after spring football. He ranked UF at No. 23, believing Sumrall can will his team in the win column this fall.
"Jon Sumrall just wins (he's never won less than nine games in a season), but that will be challenged in Year 1 at Florida," Crawford wrote. "The quarterback battle between Aaron Philo and Tramell Jones Jr. will continue into the summer, but Philo has the edge because of his familiarity with former Georgia Tech OC Buster Faulkner's system.
"Jones, however, was impressive in the spring. Sumrall will mold the offense and defense around strengths, and the Gators will finally back up a top-25 roster with a top-25 ranking."
No. 23 would be extremely optimistic for a program that should celebrate going to a bowl game in Year 1 under Sumrall.
With that being said, Sumrall has no patience. He believes the Gators can immediately compete.
"Like, it’s time we wake this thing up," Sumrall said earlier this spring. "This is a sleeping giant. I’m telling you right now, it ain’t a matter of if we’re gonna win here. It’s how fast we’re gonna win. It’s coming. This winning thing, it’s coming.
"Now, I’m not patient. I want it to happen every day. But we are going to land some pieces in recruiting. We’re about to do some things that I think will build a roster here that is going to bring it back to where we all want it to be.”
Sumrall knows he needs better recruits to compete for a national championship. However, Florida does have enough talent to have a winning season this fall.
Finishing in the top 25 would be an incredible achievement for the first-year head coach.