With the completion of the first preseason game of 2026, Floridas AD McManus was interviewed about this season. "Obviously, we are looking to take the playoffs by storm this year. We feel we have some of the best young talent on defense in the league. I mean come on, Becker, Boyer, and West are all 26 and younger and have All-American talent, and Allen and Rock are both well on their way." When asked about the offense and the issues they have had with moving the ball, McManus said "We couldn't be more pleased with Jackson and where we are heading. However, we also know that he isn't ready to take over the team. His accuracy needs to have massive improvements to have a chance this season. That was fairly clear when he went 0-33 against Navy. But we feel extremely confident that O'Neal can lead this offensive rush for the season and be a great veteran mentor to bring Jackson along." While McManus said he expects to lose every preseason game by letting Jackson have as much game time as possible, he also stated that he has been working with his coaches to have the best gameplans in place for the season. Only time will tell, but Florida looks poised to strike.

For the first time in school history, Florida has clinched a playoff birth. After 13 weeks amd a record of 11-2, the Gators sit with the best of the best. The signing of future hall of famer Dimartini created a culture this college had never felt before. But with mediocrity seeming to come from him, and not wanting to tarnish his career, he took a step back mid season to mentor Jackson and let him give a go. Without missing a beat, Tyree started his first game against a then 7-3 Tennessee team that was making a run for the east. Tyree and Schmidt had an immediate connection and continued on with Schmidt's career year, leading all wr and putting some distance between with each game.

The defense has also been a story. With Josh Allen being 2nd in the league in tackles, and the biggest run stuffer this school has ever seen, Florida has continued the standard of being the #1 rushing defense in the league. Becker has taken his pass rush seriously this year and lives in the backfield, disrupting passing plays left and right, leading to a league leading 34 hurries (10 more than the next). Matthew Rhodes has been a men among boys in the defensive backfield. With a league high being targeting, being thrown at 128 times, he has stood tall with 45 knockdown (league leading), 40.6% catch allowed, and 6 picks (two of which are pick 6s).

With only 3 games left, the Gators need only 1 win to lock up the division for the first time ever. But that's not the goal. AD McManus wants a first round bye and a championship. There is no rest until the trophy is brought home.

CHOMP CHOMP