Florida Gators defeat FAU 66-21 in Jon Sumrall era opener

The Florida Gators opened the 2026 season with a dominant 66-21 victory over the Florida Atlantic Owls at Spurrier/Florida Field. The game marked the debut of head coach Jon Sumrall, who arrived from Tulane, and starting quarterback Aaron Philo.

Philo, a transfer from Georgia Tech, completed 16 of 21 passes for 275 yards and three passing touchdowns, adding a rushing touchdown of his own. Wide receiver Vernell Brown III recorded a career-high 117 yards, including a 49-yard touchdown catch on the team's first possession. Running back Jadan Baugh led the ground attack with 160 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 14 carries.

The Gators' offense amassed 624 total yards, while the defense forced two turnovers. Despite the lopsided score, Florida Atlantic quarterback Caden Veltkamp managed 221 passing yards and a touchdown, though he was intercepted twice.