Florida Players Begged for Tougher Practices, Sumrall Delivers

Insider notes on the Gators' spring scrimmage, QB battle, and defensive standouts under new head coach Jon Sumrall.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:19am

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Florida's players had long asked the previous coaching staff for tougher practices, but nothing changed. Now under new head coach Jon Sumrall, the Gators are getting the demanding workouts they craved, with intense spring scrimmages, a heated QB competition, and standout defensive performances highlighting the team's progress.

Why it matters

Sumrall's arrival has ushered in a new era of accountability and high expectations in Gainesville, as the Gators look to rebound from a disappointing season and return to national prominence under their new head coach's demanding approach.

The details

Sumrall has implemented a fast-paced, high-intensity practice regimen that has challenged the Gators both physically and mentally. The team's spring scrimmage featured explosive plays on both sides of the ball, with the defense in particular standing out with several standout individual performances. The quarterback competition between returning starter Jack Miller and highly touted transfer Jaden Rashada remains tight, with both players vying to lead the offense under Sumrall's new system.

  • The Gators held their first spring scrimmage on March 25, 2026.
  • Florida's spring practice period runs through April 15, 2026.

The players

Jon Sumrall

The new head coach of the Florida Gators, hired in December 2025 after previously serving as the defensive coordinator at Kentucky.

Jack Miller

The returning starting quarterback for the Florida Gators, who is competing with transfer Jaden Rashada for the starting job under the new coaching staff.

Jaden Rashada

A highly touted transfer quarterback who joined the Florida Gators this offseason and is competing with Jack Miller for the starting job.

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What they’re saying

“We can't block is no excuse. Our players have to be able to execute at a high level, and that's what we're demanding from them in practice every single day.”

— Rob Faulkner, Offensive Coordinator, Florida Gators

What’s next

The Gators will continue their spring practice schedule, culminating in the annual Orange and Blue spring game on April 15, 2026.

The takeaway

Sumrall's arrival has brought a renewed sense of intensity and accountability to the Florida program, as the Gators look to rebound from a disappointing season and return to national prominence under their new head coach's demanding approach.