Retaining these 5 starters could be pivotal in Jon Sumrall’s debut season at Florida
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Jon Sumrall admittedly was frazzled during his first month as Florida’s coach. He still was leading Tulane into the College Football Playoff, trying to keep two recruiting classes together, assembling a new staff in Gainesville and working through which Gators to retain for 2026 and which guys to add from the transfer portal.
It was a heavy lift, no doubt, and unlike anything he had done previously. One part ultimately could end up being more important than the rest: Retaining five key holdovers from former coach Billy Napier’s regime. Sumrall went 5 for 5 in his quest to keep running back Jadan Baugh, receiver Vernell Brown III, linebacker Myles Graham, receiver Dallas Wilson and edge rusher Jayden Woods.
The plug-and-play starters — who will cost a combined $5. 2 million in 2026 — should improve Sumrall’s chances of pulling the Gators out of a five-year funk and returning the once-proud program to some semblance of normalcy. “I’m grateful those guys stayed,” Sumrall said.
“Those guys give us a shot to have success. ” Florida will hold its annual spring game at the Swamp, providing a glimpse of the perceived progress in Gainesville. All eyes will be on a quarterback competition that features former Georgia Tech backup Aaron Philo and sophomore Tramell Jones Jr.
Philo seemingly has pulled ahead, no surprise since he spent two years honing offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner’s scheme at Tech. But the core of Sumrall’s new team begins with the five guys he persuaded to stay. Some were easier than others: Jadan Baugh Baugh never formally entered the transfer portal after rushing for 1,170 yards and eight touchdowns, but he nonetheless had offers.
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