Breakout candidates for Florida football in the 2026 season

TL;DR

Florida football has seen significant roster changes with 20 starters leaving and 52 new players joining. Several returning players are poised to become breakout stars under new head coach Jon Sumrall in the 2026 season.

Key points

Florida football had 20 starters leave the program.
52 new players joined the team this offseason.
Jon Sumrall emphasizes player development for rebuilding.
Jadan Baugh had 1,170 yards and 12 touchdowns last season.
Myles Graham led the team in tackles.

Mentioned in this story

Jon Sumrall

Florida GatorsJadan BaughMyles GrahamVernell Brown III

Florida football underwent a massive roster overhaul this offseason — 20 multi-game starters departed the program and 52 new players joined the Orange and Blue. As dust settles from the upheaval, major opportunities have emerged for returning players to climb the depth chart and carve out star roles for Jon Sumrall and the Gators.

Several underclassmen and returners are expected to compete for prominent snaps in new head coach Jon Sumrall's debut season. The first-year head man in Gainesville has emphasized internal player development as a path to contention and a major piece to Florida's rebuild. The ascension of these players will determine the Gators long-term potential.

The Gators are looking to reestablish a competitive resume within the SEC, anchored by Jadan Baugh, Florida's All-SEC running back who amassed 1,170 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, along with linebacker Myles Graham, who led the team in tackles, and receiver Vernell Brown III, who became the first Gator true freshman in program history to lead the team in catches and receiving yards. But Florida will need others to step into the mix and elevate the team.

While Florida's depth chart remains fluid entering fall camp, Swamp247 recently identified a dozen Gators who could emerge as breakout candidates this upcoming season.