Florida Gators
· 2026-07-13
Florida Gators open the 2026 season at home against Florida Atlantic Owls on September 5.
Florida Gators will start the 2026 campaign at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium against Florida Atlantic Owls on September 5. The matchup marks the first game of Billy Napier’s third season as head coach. Florida Atlantic enters as a familiar foe from the AAC, but the Owls bring a new-look offense under first-year coach Tom Herman.
The September 5 date gives Florida Gators a chance to set the tone early in the SEC East race. A win would give Napier his first season-opening victory since 2024. Florida Atlantic has won three straight over Florida Gators in the series, including a 38-17 blowout last September. The Owls return nine starters on offense, led by quarterback John Rhys Plumlee III, who threw for 2,847 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2025.
After Florida Atlantic, Florida Gators host Tennessee Volunteers on September 12 in a primetime SEC opener. The Volunteers bring a veteran roster led by quarterback Joe Milton III, who completed 62% of passes for 2,980 yards last season. Florida Gators then travel to Kentucky on September 19 in a game that could shape early division perceptions. Napier’s squad needs a strong start to rebound from a 6-7 finish in 2025.
Florida Gators must tighten up turnovers after coughing up 18 last season. The defense returns eight starters, including Xavier Castleman, who led the team with 89 tackles in 2025. The offensive line adds three new starters, including Trey Moore, a four-star tackle from IMG Academy. If Florida Gators limit mistakes and control the trenches, they can challenge Georgia for the SEC East title.