Florida Gators Unveil Violent, Attacking 3-4 Defense

Defensive coordinator Brad White and DL coach Gerald Chatman are implementing an aggressive new scheme.

Feb. 10, 2026 at 11:07pm

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The Florida Gators are implementing a new 3-4 Under defense under defensive coordinator Brad White that is focused on violence and attacking the offense. Defensive line coach Gerald Chatman is fully on board with the aggressive philosophy, which aims to let the defensive linemen "get to eat" by making plays in the backfield. The coaches explain the key principles behind the new defensive system and which players are poised to excel in it.

Why it matters

The Gators are looking to bounce back from a disappointing season and return to the top of the SEC East. Implementing a new, attacking defensive scheme is a key part of their strategy, as they aim to create more turnovers and disrupt opposing offenses. The success of this defense will be crucial to the team's overall performance in 2026.

The details

White's 3-4 Under defense is built on aggression, with the defensive line tasked with penetrating the backfield and creating chaos. Chatman, the defensive line coach, is fully embracing this philosophy and wants his players to "get to eat" by making impactful plays. The scheme relies on the defensive linemen winning one-on-one matchups to free up the linebackers to make plays. White and Chatman have identified several players who they believe are primed to thrive in this system, including a few rising stars on the defensive line.

  • The Gators will debut their new 3-4 Under defense in their season opener on September 2, 2026.

The players

Brad White

The Florida Gators' defensive coordinator, who is implementing a new aggressive 3-4 Under defense.

Gerald Chatman

The Florida Gators' defensive line coach, who is fully embracing the violent, attacking philosophy of the new defensive scheme.

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What they’re saying

“We want our defensive line to get to eat. That's the mentality we're bringing - we're going to be violent, we're going to attack, and we're going to make plays in the backfield.”

— Gerald Chatman, Defensive Line Coach

“This defense is all about aggression and creating chaos. We want our guys flying around, making plays, and putting pressure on the offense.”

— Brad White, Defensive Coordinator

What’s next

The Gators will continue to fine-tune their new defensive scheme during spring practice and fall camp, with the goal of having it fully installed and ready to go for the season opener on September 2.

The takeaway

The Florida Gators are embracing a new, aggressive defensive identity under coordinator Brad White and line coach Gerald Chatman. This 3-4 Under scheme is designed to create turnovers and disrupt opposing offenses, with the defensive line playing a key role. If the Gators can successfully implement this system, it could be a major factor in their quest to return to the top of the SEC East in 2026.