Max Bernstein

Assistant Sports Editor

Max is a junior sports journalism student in his seventh semester at The Alligator. He serves as The Alligator's assistant sports editor and football beat coordinator. He previously served as The Alligator's sports editor and as a reporter for football, women's tennis, volleyball, lacrosse and sports enterprise. He also has made multiple appearances on the Paul Finebaum Show. Max wants to shoutout his cats, Scooter and Zoe, and niche former Florida Panthers players (shoutout Maxim Mamin).

Florida wide receiver Dallas Wilson celebrates after scoring a touchdown against Texas at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla., Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.

Bayden Armstrong

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Jon Sumrall’s first win at UF was retaining last season’s ‘fab five’ players

By Max Bernstein | Jan. 12

Despite interest from programs all over the nation, five of Florida’s most important players — Jadan Baugh, Vernell Brown III, Dallas Wilson, Jayden Woods and Myles Graham — all re-signed with Name, Image and Likeness Collective Florida Victorious for the 2026 season, marking landmark victories for the future of Gators football in the Sumrall era.

Florida Gators guard Liv McGill (23) looks for an open lane during a NCAA college basketball game against South Alabama, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, in Gainesville, Fla.

Caroline Walsh

SPORTS | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Gators remain winless in conference play after loss to Auburn

By Ava DiCecca and Max Bernstein | Jan. 11

Florida lost to Auburn Sunday on the road, failing to clinch its first Southeastern Conference win of the season.

Florida Gators guard Boogie Fland (0) dribbles down the court during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game between Florida and UConn on Tuesday, Dec. 09, 2025, in New York, N.Y.

Ryan Friedenberg

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Boogie Fland's season-best day leads Florida in rout over Tennessee

By Ava DiCecca and Max Bernstein | Jan. 10

Sophomore guard Boogie Fland had his best game in a Florida jersey, leading the Gators in a rout over Tennessee Jan. 10.

Florida edge rusher Jayden Woods (15) after an interception during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in Oxford, Miss.

Noah Lantor

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

EDGE Jayden Woods to withdraw from transfer portal, return to Florida

By Max Bernstein | Jan. 7

After he chose to enter the transfer portal, standout Florida EDGE Jayden Woods will return to the Gators for 2026.

Noah Lantor

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Florida transfer portal live tracker: Who is leaving, joining the Gators?

By Max Bernstein | Jan. 7

Since the transfer portal opened Jan. 2, a number of additions have been made to Florida's roster for the 2026 season.

Florida Gators running back Jadan Baugh became the Gator to eclipse 1,000 rushing yards since 2015.

Noah Lantor

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Gators star RB Jadan Baugh to stay at Florida

By Max Bernstein | Jan. 6

Florida's star running back, Jadan Baugh, is remaining in Gainesville after interest from numerous other programs.

Florida head coach Jon Sumrall speaks during his introductory press conference at Heavener Football Training Center in Gainesville, Fla., Monday, Dec. 1, 2025.

Noah Lantor

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Florida lands quarterback Aaron Philo in transfer portal

By Max Bernstein | Jan. 6

Former Georgia Tech quarterback Aaron Philo will follow his offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, Buster Faulkner, to Gainesville.

Florida Gators edge rusher Jayden Woods (15) lines up during a football game between the Texas Longhorns and the Florida Gators on Saturday, Oct. 4th, 2025, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla.

Noah Lantor

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Florida EDGE Jayden Woods set to enter transfer portal

By Max Bernstein | Dec. 29

Standout Florida freshman edge rusher Jayden Woods will enter the transfer portal.

Former Florida head coaches Urban Meyer (left) and Steve Spurrier (right) pose for a photo with head coach Jon Sumrall (center) after his introductory press conference at Heavener Football Training Center in Gainesville, Fla., Monday, Dec. 1, 2025.

Noah Lantor

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Florida reportedly hires Tulane’s Rusty Whitt as new strength and conditioning coach

By Max Bernstein | Dec. 21

Florida is expected to hire Tulane’s Rusty Whitt as its new strength and conditioning coach, marking another major hire in Jon Sumrall’s tenure as Florida head football coach.

Florida Gators quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. (17) runs with the ball during a football game between the Long Island Sharks and the Florida Gators on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla.

Noah Lantor

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

With DJ Lagway gone, who will be Florida's quarterback in 2026?

By Max Bernstein | Dec. 15

Florida football received massive news regarding its future Dec. 15, as starting quarterback DJ Lagway announced his intention to transfer. Now, with Lagway off to his next destination, where will Florida turn for its open quarterback position?