After more than nine months of anticipation, the Jon Sumrall era officially began Saturday night at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium with a Gators 66-21 win against Florida Atlantic in front of the 19th straight sellout crowd of 90,295 people.
“What an unbelievable crowd, great support,” Sumrall said after the game. “They had a huge impact on the game.”
The Sumrall era proved to be promising, not just from the final score but also from the quality of plays throughout the night. The defense fell short but the potential could be seen, and the offense found success on the ground. Sumrall was also full of energy, yelling on the sidelines and celebrating with his team during key moments.
Everyone also got a first look at Aaron Philo as quarterback, after Sumrall named him starting quarterback for Week 1. Philo threw a total of 275 yards with a completion rate of 76%, three touchdowns, one interception and even scored a touchdown on a run in the second quarter. After an incomplete throw to Dallas Wilson, Jadan Baugh rushed to the 3-yard line, where Philo ran for a touchdown on the next play.
“He’s an unbelievable teammate, he’s a great leader,” Sumrall said about Philo.
Philo spoke after the game, and praised how fast the team played.
“I came into the day feeling really confident,” Philo said. “[We] prepared a lot for these guys, and that allows you to come out here and play with confidence.”
FAU’s speed was one of the biggest focuses for the Gators to watch going into the game. The Owls’ offense averaged 21.4 seconds per play in the 2025 season, tying USF for fastest pace in the country. However, FAU did not have nearly enough speed to keep up with Florida.
Florida’s defense wanted to wreak havoc ahead of Saturday’s game, but they didn’t quite deliver. In the beginning, they caused chaos but softened as the game unfolded.
“Our defense was atrocious at times, quite honestly,” Sumrall said.
The defense recorded two interceptions, while giving up 276 yards through the air and 120 on the ground. Myles Graham and Jeramiah McCloud were players to watch this game, both totaling 10 and eight tackles, respectively.
The offense was another aspect Florida successfully delivered on. Baugh was, unsurprisingly, a standout player who surpassed 2,000 career rushing yards during a 61-yard rush in the third quarter. The junior running back had previously become the third Florida underclassman to rush for 1,000 yards last season.
Baugh also talked about how his weight played a factor into his game and credited the training staff under Rusty Whitt.
“I feel good, I just want to keep going,” Baugh said.
Fans also got a sneak peek of Tramell Jones Jr. and his potential towards the end of the third and for the rest of the game. Jones ended the night throwing for 4 of 5 for 68 yards and one touchdown.
“I want to see Tramell operate,” Sumrall said. “I want to see him go compete.”
After leading the whole game, the energy for Florida was naturally high. However, most of that energy is contributed from Sumrall’s first game. No matter at what point of the game, Sumrall was animated as ever, encouraging and coaching his players.
“The journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step,” Sumrall said. “That was step one.”
