Florida Gators Showcase Talent in Spring Game

Transfers, freshmen, and new coordinators shine in annual Orange and Blue matchup

Apr. 11, 2026 at 2:26pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a Florida Gators football game, with overlapping planes of orange, blue, and green representing the action on the field.The Florida Gators' annual spring game showcased the team's offensive firepower and new-look roster under the direction of first-year head coach Jon Sumrall.Gainesville Today

The Florida Gators held their annual spring game on Saturday, giving fans a preview of the team's new-look roster and coaching staff. Standout performances from transfer players like wide receiver Micah Mays Jr. and running back Evan Pryor, as well as freshman linebacker KJ Ford, highlighted the day. The offense, led by new coordinator Buster Faulkner, proved too much for the defense, winning the scrimmage in an exciting display of the Gators' firepower heading into the 2026 season.

Why it matters

The spring game provides an important first look at the Gators under new head coach Jon Sumrall and his revamped coaching staff. With several high-profile transfers joining the program and a talented freshman class, the annual intrasquad matchup offers a glimpse of the team's potential and the impact of the offseason changes.

The details

Transfers Micah Mays Jr. and Evan Pryor both found the end zone, showcasing the offensive weapons Faulkner will have at his disposal. Redshirt freshman cornerback Ben Hanks III continued his strong spring by recording an interception, while Auburn transfer wide receiver Eric Singleton emerged as the game's MVP with his playmaking ability. Highly touted freshman linebacker KJ Ford also made an impression, validating the hype around his college-ready skill set.

  • The spring game took place on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
  • The Gators' 2026 season opener is scheduled for September 5.

The players

Jon Sumrall

The Gators' new head coach, hired in the offseason to lead the program's rebuilding efforts.

Micah Mays Jr.

A transfer wide receiver from Wake Forest who has been a standout performer in Florida's spring practices.

Evan Pryor

A transfer running back from Cincinnati who has showcased his big-play ability and scoring touch during the Gators' spring camp.

Ben Hanks III

A redshirt freshman cornerback who has emerged as a playmaker in the Gators' secondary, recording an interception in the spring game.

Eric Singleton

A transfer wide receiver from Auburn who was the Gators' highest-rated portal addition and earned MVP honors in the spring game.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He's flashed. He's really flashed... He's made some down the field catches that have been really impressive. He's tracked the ball well, I think he has a skill set to have a really legitimate role within what we're doing on offense.”

— Jon Sumrall, Head Coach

“I think he's elevated right now and playing, I think, the best in the corner room with the most consistency in the pass game.”

— Jon Sumrall, Head Coach

“I feel like I have a lot more to prove. I think this year is going to be a very exciting year for me. For me personally, I just want to win. I want to be a part of a winning team, winning program and I want to leave a legacy for the program in the future.”

— Eric Singleton, Transfer Wide Receiver

“He's coming along really well, he's eager to learn, he has a really good attitude, he's coachable, and so really impressed with how he's coming along so far. I think he can have a role... He still has some room to grow, don't get me wrong, but we're trying to put him in position to where he can have a role and he's approaching it the right way from a standpoint of his work ethic.”

— Bam Hardman, Defensive Coach

What’s next

The Gators will continue their preparations for the 2026 season, with the team's first game scheduled for September 5.

The takeaway

The Gators' spring game showcased the team's wealth of offensive talent and the impact of the program's offseason overhaul under new leadership. With a mix of high-profile transfers and promising young talent, Florida appears poised to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 campaign and compete for a spot in the SEC title race.