Florida State football is in a tough position as a program, with the fan base losing faith in the team’s future after four losing seasons in six years. Some people even called for head coach Mike Norvell to be sacked following the defeat to Stanford.
While I cannot dispute with the disappointments that have occurred in Tallahassee, the Florida Gators are welcoming in a new head coach, Jon Sumrall, who previously coached at Troy and Tulane. The Gators had previously experimented with Group of Five coaches, but they did not appear to have learned their lesson from former coach Billy Napier.
Norvell has lost the last two encounters against Florida, making it difficult to mock the annoying Gators too much, but Coach Sumrall is beginning to sound extremely confident for a team that, on paper, does not appear to be very good.
Jon Sumrall does not appear optimistic about the Gators’ squad in 2026.
Jon Sumrall’s corny little video with a live gator was cringe-worthy to viewers across the country, but I suppose Florida head coaches are always a little strange.
He will have to do his best to overcome a 4-8 record from last season, since both the Gators and Seminoles will seek to reclaim national prominence. Florida began spring practice earlier than Florida State, so Coach Sumrall has seen how his team is formed and even addressed the media in a press conference earlier today.
Jon Sumrall acknowledged that he is not completely pleased with where the club is at this spring, stating that they are still a long way from his expectations.
Sumrall anticipates unhappiness with the team’s performance thus far. This should not be unexpected, as the squad has been drained of outstanding players. One player for Florida State fans to keep an eye on is Jadan Baugh, their star running back, who mauled the Seminoles’ defense in last year’s matchup.
Florida’s quarterback situation is also a disaster. However, Florida State must focus on its own spring practice and get in the mood. They cannot afford to lose to the Gators this year, as Sumrall is in his first season with the squad and Florida must travel to Tallahassee.
