Overview
- Florida hired Jon Sumrall after a 4-8 2025 season and has assembled a new staff, including offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner, while retaining feature running back Jadan Baugh as a focal point.
- Analyst Bill Connelly projects Florida’s offensive SP+ to climb dramatically from the 80s into at least the 40s if Sumrall’s scheme and new personnel cohere.
- The Florida quarterback job remains unsettled with Georgia Tech transfer Aaron Philo and redshirt freshman Tramell Jones Jr. competing to start in Faulkner’s system.
- Florida State enters a pivotal year for Mike Norvell after a 5-7 2025 season, and Connelly lists the Seminoles as a possible breakout team thanks to SP+ gains, Duce Robinson’s return and Ashton Daniels at quarterback.
- Both programs face demanding nonconference and league schedules that will quickly test analytic forecasts and coaching plans, with the season-ending Florida vs. Florida State meeting a key measuring point.