5 Key Starters Retained for Sumrall's Debut Season at Florida

Retaining running back Jadan Baugh, receivers Vernell Brown III and Dallas Wilson, linebacker Myles Graham, and edge rusher Jayden Woods could be pivotal for the Gators' turnaround.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 5:21pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting overlapping shapes and planes in the colors of the Florida Gators, representing the core group of experienced players who are returning to anchor the team's revival.A cubist interpretation of the key Florida Gators starters who are returning to provide leadership and stability for the team's turnaround effort under new head coach Jon Sumrall.Gainesville Today

New Florida head coach Jon Sumrall was able to retain five key starters from the previous regime - running back Jadan Baugh, receivers Vernell Brown III and Dallas Wilson, linebacker Myles Graham, and edge rusher Jayden Woods. Keeping this core group, who will cost a combined $5.2 million in 2026, is seen as crucial to Sumrall's efforts to pull the Gators out of a five-year funk and return the once-proud program to success.

Why it matters

Florida has struggled in recent years, going 5 seasons without a bowl appearance. Retaining these experienced starters, who are familiar with the program and have shown their talent on the field, gives Sumrall a solid foundation to build upon in his debut season. Their leadership and production will be vital as the Gators look to get back to being a contender in the SEC.

The details

Sumrall was able to convince all five players to stay at Florida, despite some having offers to transfer elsewhere. Running back Jadan Baugh, who rushed for 1,170 yards and 8 TDs last season, considered following his position coach to Texas but was swayed to stay after an emotional in-home visit by Sumrall. Receiver Vernell Brown III, a legacy player, never seemed likely to leave. Linebacker Myles Graham, the team's leading tackler, helped recruit the others to stay. Receiver Dallas Wilson is looking to bounce back from injury issues, while edge rusher Jayden Woods was the last to commit, visiting Texas before Sumrall convinced him to remain a Gator.

  • Sumrall was hired as Florida's new head coach in December 2025.
  • Baugh, Brown, Graham, Wilson, and Woods all decided to stay at Florida in the weeks following Sumrall's hiring.

The players

Jadan Baugh

A running back who rushed for 1,170 yards and 8 touchdowns last season for Florida.

Vernell Brown III

A receiver who led Florida in receptions and receiving yards as a true freshman in 2025.

Myles Graham

A linebacker who led the Gators with 76 tackles in 2025 and is considered the heart and soul of the defense.

Dallas Wilson

A receiver who had a strong debut in 2025 before missing most of the season with foot injuries.

Jayden Woods

An edge rusher who flashed potential as a freshman and is seen as a rising star for the Gators.

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What they’re saying

“For him to bring his family to come see me and to say that his dad wanted to be here, that means the most to me because that shows that you really, really care about your job. You really, really care about what's going on with your players that you want.”

— Jadan Baugh, Running Back

“Ultimately, I'm trying to do what he did and more.”

— Vernell Brown III, Receiver

“He kind of told me that when I signed that he needed me to help recruit and that's what I did. I got on the phone with them guys, made sure they were good and just stayed on them until they came back.”

— Myles Graham, Linebacker

“I will say it's very futuristic. It was definitely cool seeing all that out there, them working on me and them like being my nurse when I was there and tending to everything I had going on and then just applying it. It was a blessing, I ain't going to lie.”

— Dallas Wilson, Receiver

“We barely talked about football when they were there, and that was the biggest thing for me. Coach Sumrall says my grandpa's still sending him pictures of meals he's cooked. Just knowing that it was genuine and it was relationship-driven, that was the biggest piece for me.”

— Jayden Woods, Edge Rusher

What’s next

The Gators will hold their annual spring game on Saturday, giving fans a glimpse of the team's progress under Sumrall. All eyes will be on the quarterback competition between former Georgia Tech backup Aaron Philo and sophomore Tramell Jones Jr., with Philo seemingly pulling ahead.

The takeaway

Retaining this core group of experienced starters is a major coup for new Florida head coach Jon Sumrall as he looks to turn the program around. Their talent, leadership, and familiarity with the Gators' program will be invaluable as Sumrall works to end the team's five-year bowl drought and restore Florida to its former status as an SEC powerhouse.