Three Florida Gators Predicted To Land on All-SEC Team

The Florida Gators are ushering in a new era heading into the 2026 season after firing Billy Napier as their head coach and bringing in Jon Sumrall to replace him.

Sumrall comes in with success from his last two stints as a head coach, leading Troy to a 23-4 record and Tulane to a 20-8 record, including a College Football Playoff appearance.

He will look to lead the Gators in a much-needed culture change to restore the program to being a contender. 

While Florida may not be an immediate contender under Sumrall, they have some exciting talent heading into the 2026 season.

The Gators had three players named to the Preseason All-SEC Team, with Jadan Baugh named to the second team as a running back and the third team as an all-purpose player. Edge rusher Jayden Woods was named to the third team as a defensive lineman, and Vernell Brown III was named to the third team as a return specialist.

Baugh is the most impressive player on the list as he played at a high level for Florida in the 2025 season. He was one of the few bright spots for the Gators, rushing for 1,170 yards and eight touchdowns while hauling in 33 receptions for 210 yards and two touchdowns. With more talent around Baugh this season, he could have an even better season in 2026. 

Woods was another quality player for the Gators in 2025, as he had a productive freshman campaign, finishing with 28 total tackles, five tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, a pass deflection, an interception, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.

Sumrall and Florida's defense will be looking for Woods to be one of their top pass rushers in the 2026 season. 

Special teams can often turn the game on its head, and that's what the Gators hope Brown III will provide as their returner. In the 2025 season, Brown III returned 12 punts for 140 yards (11.7 yards per return) and seven kicks for 122 yards (17.4 yards per return).

If he can be explosive as a returner for the Gators, Brown III could turn the tide of close games.

Although it will likely take time for Sumrall to turn Florida into a contending team, there are some talented pieces on the roster to help them win games in 2026.