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Florida Gators inside linebacker Myles Graham (5) speaks to the media during a press conference on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, in Gainesville, Fla.

Sports

‘Don’t miss the layup’: White, Asare, Graham talk UF defensive game plan ahead of season-opener

By Max Bernstein | Sep. 2

When Brad White assumed the defensive coordinator position at Florida in December of 2025, he made his intentions clear from day one: his job was to make the Gator defense the most feared unit in college football. After months of preparation, that mission begins on the evening of Sept. 5, when Florida will kick off its 2026 campaign under the lights of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. But the first test for the revamped UF defense will not be a walk in the park.

A sign showing the Gators past SEC Championships inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Sports

The Conference Call: The Alligator’s football reporters pick Week 1 SEC matchups

By Ava DiCecca , Max Bernstein , Curan Ahern and Riley Orovitz | Sep. 2

With the start of the SEC college football season days away, The Alligator’s Florida football beat reporters, Ava DiCecca, Max Bernstein, Curan Ahern and Riley Orovitz, made picks for this week’s 16-game slate.

Brooklyn Briscoe(4) celebrates with the Gators volleyball team during their home opener, Aug. 30, 2026, at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center in Gainesville, Fla.

Sports

Selena Leban propels Florida to upset of No. 11 Minnesota

By Nicole Scura | Sep. 2

A stellar 11 service aces fueled the Gators’ night against No. 11 Minnesota, leading them to a hard-fought win in Madison, Wisconsin. No. 17 Florida (2-0) triumphed over the Golden Gophers (1-2) 3-1 in its first interconference tournament. The weeklong affair – featuring 18 Big Ten schools and all 16 SEC institutions – gives Florida even more chances to prove themselves as a contender against top teams.

Florida Gators setter Taylor Parks (20) prepares to serve the ball during a volleyball match against the Baylor Bears at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center on Sunday, September 14, 2024.

Sports

Gators volleyball kicks off grueling four-match road stretch against Minnesota in Big Ten/SEC Challenge

By Sofia Alamo | Sep. 1

In its first year of the Big 10/SEC Volleyball Challenge, Florida will compete in the Big 10/SEC Challenge as the No. 17-ranked team in the nation. The weeklong tournament, which features all 18 Big Ten schools and all 16 SEC institutions, makes history as the first time volleyball has been played at Wrigley Field.

Florida running back Jadan Baugh (13) walks to the locker room after an NCAA college football game against Florida State, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla.

Sports

Faulkner, Baugh, Brown III outline expectations, improvement entering season

By Curan Ahern and Riley Orovitz | Sep. 1

Four days out from Florida’s season opener against Florida Atlantic, expectations are high, energy is palpable and Florida’s leaders are bought into offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner’s scheme.

Kyle Trask runs through Missouri defenders in Florida's game versus Missouri on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020.

Sports

OPINION: Uniform colors matter, and Florida isn’t using them to their full potential

By Evan Dressel | Sep. 1

The Florida Gators have iconic uniforms and colors but they haven’t been used to their fullest potential. However, the recent release of three new uniforms for this upcoming football season have me optimistic that the orange and blue will finally be unleashed.

Florida head coach John Sumrall speaks at “Gator Talks” inside the Swamp Restaurant, Monday, Aug. 31, 2026, in Gainesville, Fla.

Sports

Swamp Talk takeaways: Sumrall outlines mentality at Florida

By Curan Ahern | Aug. 31

In his first appearance at Gator Talk, Sumrall detailed his love for the Southeastern Conference and lessons he’s both taken with him to Florida and learned in his first nine months in Gainesville.

Sports

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive preview: Returning defensive front, secondary set stage for 2026 push

By Curan Ahern | Aug. 31

With valuable returning talent in the trenches and both Hunter and Lewis back in action, Jacksonville’s defense has a strong case to be even more formidable than in past seasons. Here’s a position-by-position deep dive into how Jacksonville’s defense is expected to look this season.

Sports

Jacksonville Jaguars offensive preview: Tuten, Washington among breakout candidates

By Max Bernstein | Aug. 31

Now, the pressure is on to continue that same success in year two. With returners at quarterback and wide receiver and some new faces across the rest of the offense, Coen has expressed confidence but also pointed to areas of growth he wants to see from his unit ahead of Jacksonville’s Sept. 13 opener against the Cleveland Browns.

Florida head coach Jon Sumrall breaks the post-game huddle after the Orange & Blue spring football game, Saturday, April 11, 2026, in Gainesville, Fla.

Sports

Sumrall talks depth chart, Week 1 ahead of Florida debut

By Ava DiCecca and Curan Ahern | Aug. 31

With game week upon Florida football, head coach Jon Sumrall and Co. have released an official depth chart, etching players into starting roles for the Gators’ season opener against Florida Atlantic Saturday.

UF associate head coach Anthony Nesty (right) watches during Florida’s dual-meet sweep against Tennessee on Feb. 1 in the O’Connell Center. Nesty said the Gators need to excel in relays to win the SEC championship.

Sports

Florida swim returns for 2026-27 season after strong NCAA finish

By Lily Perkins | Aug. 31

Both men’s and women’s programs return to competition Sept. 26. The men open their season against Florida Atlantic and Nova Southeastern in Boca Raton, Florida, while the women travel to Nashville, Tennessee, for a dual meet against Vanderbilt.

Alec Rothe (25) attacks the ball during the Gators’ matchup against Stony Brook for their homeopener, Aug. 30, 2026 at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center in Gainesville, Fla.

Sports

Florida volleyball sweeps Stony Brook in regular-season opener

By Sofia Alamo and Nicole Scura | Aug. 30

No. 17 Florida (1-0) swept Stony Brook (1-3) in its home opener Sunday afternoon, rebounding from Thursday’s two-set loss against the No. 1 team in the country.

Freshman forward Megan Hinnenkamp dribbles around a Kentucky defender in the Gators' 1-1 draw against the Kentucky Wildcats on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023.

Sports

No. 20 Florida held to road draw by Florida Atlantic

By Zach Moore | Aug. 30

No. 20 Florida (3-1-1) ultimately settled for its first draw of the season, tying Florida Atlantic (1-2-2) 1-1 on Sunday at FAU Soccer Stadium. The Gators controlled the attack with 18 shots, but junior goalkeeper Ashley Small delivered a career-high 10 saves to preserve the draw for the Owls.

Sports

Defense shines, offense lacks consistency in Jaguars’ final preseason contest

By Curan Ahern | Aug. 28

With the NFL’s deadline for teams to solidify a 53-man roster coming Sunday at 6 p.m., multiple Jaguars made their case for a spot on Jacksonville’s roster in a 19-0 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Friday at EverBank Stadium.

Florida head coach Todd Golden swings the net in the air after clinching the SEC regular season title following a win in an NCAA college basketball game against Arkansas, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, in Gainesville, Fla.

Sports

Todd Golden inks new six-year contract, becomes highest-paid Gators coach ever

By Riley Orovitz | Aug. 28

Todd Golden signed a six-year contract with Florida Friday to keep him in Gainesville for the foreseeable future. The 41-year-old head coach hoisted the 2025 national championship trophy in just his third season with the program.

Florida center Micah Handlogten (3) drives during the second half of an NCAA Tournament first round game against Prairie View A&M, Friday, March 20, 2026, in Tampa, Fla.

Sports

Micah Handlogten commits to Ole Miss for fifth year

By Jeffrey Serber | Aug. 28

Former Florida center Micah Handlogten has committed to Ole Miss for his fifth year of college basketball, On3’s Joe Tipton reported Friday.

Florida Gators setter Taylor Parks (20) prepares to serve the ball in a volleyball match against the Norfolk State Spartans on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, at the O'Connell Center in Gainesville, Fla.

Sports

No. 17 Florida falls to No. 1 Nebraska in Spikes Under the Lights semifinal

By Sofia Alamo and Nicole Scura | Aug. 27

The No. 17 Florida Gators fell to the No. 1 Nebraska Cornhuskers in a two-set match Thursday night in Arlington, Texas. The win advanced the Cornhuskers to the Spikes Under the Lights championship, where they will face the winner of Penn State vs. Southern Methodist University.

Florida's starters huddle prior to game against Jacksonville at Donald R. Dizney Stadium in Gainesville, Fla., Thursday, Aug 27, 2026.

Sports

No. 20 Florida remains perfect at home with rout of Jacksonville

By Zach Moore | Aug. 27

Florida (3-1) dominated Jacksonville University (1-1-1) 6-0 at Donald R. Dizney Stadium. UF completely took over the match, outshooting the Dolphins 16-1 and remaining perfect all-time against Jacksonville. The Gators’ six goals marked their highest single-game total since Aug. 27, 2023, when they defeated Stetson 8-0.

Florida guard Xaivian Lee (1) drives during the second half of an SEC Men's Basketball Tournament quarterfinal game against Kentucky, Friday, March 13, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.

Sports

Former Gator Xaivian Lee transfers to Gonzaga for fifth year

By Jeffrey Serber | Aug. 26

Former Gator Xaivian Lee transferred to Gonzaga Wednesday after receiving a temporary restraining order from the state of California, per On3’s Joe Tipton. This move comes after Lee announced that he planned to enter the transfer portal on Aug. 18, seeking a new opportunity in his fifth collegiate season.

Sports

No. 20 Florida shifts focus to defensive-minded Jacksonville

By Zach Moore | Aug. 26

It’s a tale of two contrasting styles: Florida’s explosive, high-powered offense against Jacksonville’s stifling defense. The Gators have scored three goals in each of their first three matches, while the Dolphins have yet to concede a goal this season.