Calling it now: Florida's defensive scheme under Sumrall is going to look completely different this fall and nobody is ready for it. The Gators finished dead last in the SEC in sacks per game last season at 1.38 and that number is going to triple. Sumrall's Tulane defense generated a 12.3% havoc rate and he is bringing that exact pressure philosophy to Gainesville. The old scheme sat back and let quarterbacks pick apart the secondary because there was zero pass rush threat.
The spring practice buzz I am hearing is that this defense is playing faster and more aggressive than anything Florida Gators have seen in years. The front seven is being taught to attack gaps instead of reading and reacting. That is the fundamental difference between a bottom tier SEC defense and a top half unit. Florida Gators opponents converted at way too high a rate on third and long last season because they had all day to throw. That changes in 2026.
Mark my words: Florida jumps from 1.38 sacks per game to over 3.0 per game this season. The havoc rate goes from near the basement of the SEC to top 5 in the conference. This is not a talent problem anymore. This is a scheme problem that Sumrall has already fixed at two previous stops. The defensive numbers are going to shock people who only look at last year's film.