Key players return and other takeaways from Florida football sixth spring practice

Florida football held its sixth practice of the spring on Tuesday, March 24 at the Sanders Practice Fields. In all, the Florida Gators will practice 15 times, culminating with the Orange and Blue game on April 11, 2026, at The Swamp (noon, TV, tbd). It was UF's first practice after a week-long layoff for spring break, and first-year coach Jon Sumrall said some rust showed on the field.

"Felt a little bit like sometimes you come out of a bye week and you are trying to get the car re-started when it's been off for a few days," Sumrall said. Sumrall said Florida will hold its first intra-squad scrimmage on Saturday, March 28. , then another scrimmage, Saturday, April 4 before the Orange and Blue game.

His goal is to establish discipline and toughness within a UF football program that has endured four losing seasons in the last five years. Here are three takeaways from the open portion of practice: A handful of key Florida football players return A handful of key players who were out last week returned to the practice field, including defensive tackle Joseph Mbatchou (foot) and cornerback Dijon Johnson (knee). Johnson, who was in an orange jersey last week, was a full participant.

Sophomore wide receiver Dallas Wilson also was in a full uniform during workouts but did not take part in drills, going back to the training room and stretching during individual drills. "Out of the boot," Sumrall said of Wilson. "The boot is off.