Jon Sumrall, Florida Dominate No.4 Ole Miss for Statement Win

The Florida Gators made a big hire this offseason by bringing Jon Sumrall in as the head coach to turn the program around. It was a tall task after the Gators finished with a 4-8 record in the 2025 season, but Sumrall has exceeded expectations thus far.

Sumrall's group is off to a 4-0 start, including a 52-28 win over the fourth-ranked Ole Miss Rebels on Saturday. 

Ole Miss was riding a high after a major win over the LSU Tigers in Week 3, but Florida showed up to play and dominated the Rebels. With this win, the Gators have established themselves as one of the best teams in the country and will rise up the rankings in the next AP Poll.

Florida offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner called a brilliant game, leaning on the run with Heisman contender Jadan Baugh. Baugh rushed for 142 yards and three touchdowns on 29 carries and had one catch for 12 yards. 

However, he wasn't the only one breaking off big runs, as Duke Clark added 126 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries. Quarterback Aaron Philo and wide receiver Dallas Wilson also rushed for a touchdown. In total, the Gators rushed for 302 yards and six touchdowns.

Philo didn't do much as a passer, but didn't need to with the dominant run game. He was efficient when he did throw the ball, completing 16 of 23 passes for 196 yards and a touchdown. 

Florida's defense was also impressive, as they didn't allow Heisman contender Trinidad Chambliss to take over the game. Chambliss completed 25 of 34 passes for 298 yards, a touchdown, and an interception while rushing for 44 yards and two touchdowns.

These were still solid numbers, but DJ Coleman's interception and Chambliss' fumble, recovered by Myles Graham, were stellar plays by the defense. Jayden Woods was disruptive on the defensive line, as he came away with the lone sack for Florida, and he also had two tackles for loss.

Special teams also contributed to the Gators' momentum, as London Montgomery had three kick returns for 128 yards, including a 74-yard return.

Sumrall has instantly brought success to Florida after great stints coaching at Troy and Tulane. With the win over Ole Miss, the Gators are now one of the top programs in college football, and Sumrall will be looking to lead his team to the College Football Playoff and compete for a National Championship.