A new era begins in 2026 for the Florida Gators. Former Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall enters his first season down in the swamp and in the SEC.
The Gators are another middle-of-the-conference team that’s a little hard to read right now. A QB competition is still underway between Aaron Philo and Tramel Jones Jr. Philo is the favorite to win the starting job since he’s older and was brought in as a transfer from Georgia Tech.
In most cases, with a new coaching staff comes a clean slate and high expectations. No one is expecting Florida to contend for anything this season. If the Gators are to shock the country, they’ll need some breakout players. Here are five worthy candidates.
LJ McCray, EDGE
Picture what the prototypical, dominant SEC pass rusher would look like; the picture probably looks a lot like LJ McCray. Standing 6’6 and weighing just under 270 pounds, McCray has the physical tools and unique blend of athleticism and size to bully offensive linemen week to week.
The former five-star recruit missed the entire 2025 season due to a broken foot in Week 1. Since McCray has been inactive, SEC fans have forgotten what type of potential he has. Now back fully healthy, McCray could be one of the best pass rushers in the conference.
Ben Hanks III, Cornerback
A long and rangy corner, standing 6’1 and weighing over 190 pounds. Hanks also has elite speed, being a former track athlete who won a district championship in the 400-meter dash.
After redshirting his freshman season, Banks will play a pivotal role for this Florida secondary that will face the best receivers in the conference. Even in a season where he redshirted, Banks did have 1 interception on the season. His 6’5 wingspan will give bigger receivers problems that they won’t have every week.
Amir Jackson, Tight End
The Gators need someone to become their next go-to tight end after Hayden Hansen transferred to Oklahoma. Jackson is the perfect candidate to take that next step and be a weapon in this offense.
The 6’5 and 235-pound TE did show flashes last season, with 1 touchdown catch and one of his 3 catches being an 18-yard reception. There’s wide receiver-like athleticism in Jackson. His downfield speed and contested catch potential make Jackson a prime breakout candidate.
Duke Clark, Running Back
This breakout won’t mean absurd stat lines, because Clark is the guaranteed RB2 with Jaden Baugh in that backfield as well. Clark is another big-bodied running back in that room, standing 6’1 and weighing over 210 pounds.
As a receiver, Clark has demonstrated great ability in high school. He posted 1300 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns during his four years. It’s going to be Baugh’s backfield, but Clark can provide some versatility to the Gators’ backfield and have big moments throughout the season.
Micah Mays Jr, Wide Receiver
The lone transfer portal addition on this list, and the only player to have real production in 2025. Mays is a Florida native who joins the program after a two-year stint at Wake Forrest.
In those two seasons, Mays posted 34 catches for 520 yards and 4 touchdowns. What stands out is his average yards per catch. In both seasons, that average was over 13 yards per catch, which shows Mays has big-play potential.
In Florida’s spring game, Mays was the top story, having 122 receiving yards and a 2-touchdown performance. A productive outside receiver next to the incoming Eric Singleton Jr. is just what the Gators need.
