Florida Gators aim for College Football Playoff contention under Jon Sumrall
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 19, 2026, 3:51 PM
Last updated Aug 19, 2026

The Florida Gators, left off the preseason AP Top 25, are considered potential College Football Playoff contenders. New head coach Jon Sumrall, who previously led Tulane to a playoff berth, is believed to have energized the program after a 4-8 season in 2025. With a competitive roster bolstered by transfers, Florida's key challenge will be navigating a tough SEC schedule that includes three top-10 opponents. The team is still deciding on a starting quarterback between Georgia Tech transfer Aaron Philo and Tramell Jones Jr. The Gators enter the final days of fall camp focused on establishing their identity before the season begins.
- •Florida was ranked No. 27 in preseason AP voting.
- •Jon Sumrall aims to restore a winning mentality in Gainesville.
- •The Gators face a demanding SEC schedule this fall.
- •Quarterback competition remains ongoing between Philo and Jones.
- •Florida added key transfers to strengthen their roster.
- 3:51 PMYahoo Sports — Florida Gators are potential CFB Playoff crashers this season
"The preseason AP Top 25 excluded Florida, but CBS Sports believes that Jon Sumrall and the Gators have the talent to enter the playoff conversation.
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