No. 7 Texas vs. Florida opponent preview: Gators look to end two-game skid

Coming off a disappointing loss in Dallas, the No. 7 Texas Longhorns host a struggling Florida Gators squad that has dropped its last two contests. What was anticipated to be a highly-competitive, top-25 matchup just weeks ago has evolved into a battle between two teams desperate to right the ship.

After thrashing two inferior non-conference foes, Florida opened SEC play with two wins including a dominating upset of then N0.4 Ole Miss. Since then, the Gators have yet to win, losing 45-17 to then No.25 Missouri and 38-19 to South Carolina.

For first year head coach Jon Sumrall, getting Florida back on track against Texas is critical to how the rest of the season turns out.

“We’re a work in progress. Sometimes that progress is dysfunctional, and we have a long way to go to get to where we need to be as a football team,” said Sumrall after the South Carolina loss.

The story for Florida in wins thus far has been a high scoring offense overcoming a struggling defense. Led by star running back Jadan Baugh and a trio of well rounded wide outs, the Gators are fourth in the SEC with 33.0 points per game in conference play and second in yards per game.

The defense meanwhile slots at 15th in points per game during SEC play with 37.5 and dead last in pass defense giving up just under 300 yards per game.

It was rather unlikely that the Gators visited Austin unscathed but the early success undoubtedly changed expectations for the season. Having now dropped two in a row by wide margins, with poor performances from the offense, Florida fans are uncertain of what the rest of the season will bring.

Here’s how the Gators stack up position-by-position.

Offense

Talent on the offensive side of the ball is prevalent at every position. With a coaching change in the current era of college football, it wouldn’t have been a surprise for the Gator offense to look brand new after last season.

To the delight of Florida fans, Sumrall did an excellent job of player retention. Keeping Baugh in Gainsville was a monumental offseason win.

In addition, convincing young wide receivers Dallas Wilson and Vernell Brown to return gave the offense continuity and fire power.

Through four conference games, the ground attack has led the way, slotting at 4th in the SEC with 176.8 yards per game and a league leading 11 rushing touchdowns.

Offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner most recently led the Georgia Tech offense and brought two key transfers with him. Faulker is a disciple of the Air Raid but incorporated a more balanced, personnel specific scheme at Georgia Tech.

In the season before he arrived, Georgia Tech finished 131st in scoring and 114th in total offense. In his second year calling plays, they finished 15th in total offense.

Not too shabby of an improvement.

Now tasked with improving the Florida offense, Faulkner has more weapons and autonomy at his disposal.

Quarterback

Moving the ball through the air has been more of a struggle for Florida, but first-year starter Aaron Philo is efficient.

Listed at 6’1, 207 pounds, Philo spent his first two years at Georgia Tech with Faulkner rexceiving minimal snaps despite shredding Georgia high school football records, including surpassing Trevor Lawrence for the state’s all-time leader in passing yards.

Since arriving in Gainesville, Philo has showcased what made him an elite passer in high school with help from a two-year understanding of the nuances of Faulkner’s offense.

Through six games, he has completed 105-of-149 passes (70.5 percent) for 1,341 yards, nine touchdowns, and three interceptions (two on dropped passes) for a 162.0 passer rating, in addition to three rushing touchdowns.

Philo ranks second in the SEC and 15th in the FBS in completion percentage (70.5) while sitting fourth in the SEC and 23rd in the FBS in yards per attempt (9.0), and fifth in the SEC and 30th in the FBS in passer rating (162.0).

This past week, the offense only scored 19 points, but Philo completed 21-of-28 passes for 227 yards.

His accuracy makes him dangerous. If Texas allows him to settle into a rhythm, he can push the ball downfield and get it into the hands of playmakers.

Running back

The star of the show is junior running back Jadan Baugh, who returns as a physical runner that can get extra yards, punch it in the end zone, and make defenders miss, a skill set that made him a top target for the Longhorns during the offseason after hiring former Gators running backs coach Jabbar Juluke. Baugh never entered the portal.

Last season, he tallied 1,170 yards on 220 carries and 10 total touchdowns. This year, he’s rushed for 672 yards and 12 touchdowns, which leads the nation, on 110 carries, at 6.1 yards per carry.

He’s also graded excellent according to Pro Football Focus, sitting in the top 10 in rushing grade (89.8), breakaway percentage (50.6), offensive grade among running backs (87.0), first downs (34), and missed tackles forced (36).

However, Missouri and South Carolina demonstrated that it is possible to slow down Baugh. Against the Tigers, he carried the ball 12 times for 13 yards. What jumps off the page is that his opening rush went for 12 yards meaning his final 12 carries netted one yard.

Clearly, though exceptionally rare, it is possible to thwart Baugh.

Keeping him contained will largely dictate the success of the Florida offense come Saturday.

Wide receiver

The wide receiver room for the Gators is deep and talented, though one of the key targets has missed the last two games.

Wilson has emerged as Philo’s most productive target, hauling in 26 catches for 376 yards and three touchdowns, while Brown provides a dynamic change of pace. Brown has missed the last two games after suffering a knee injury against Ole Miss, a notable loss that has certainly impacted the offense.

If he can’t go on Saturday, the Longhorns secondary can put a much higher focus on limiting Wilson so monitoring Brown’s availability closer to kick off will be important.

Philo’s third option is senior transfer Bailey Stockton, another Georgia Tech transfer who also played high school football with the Florida quarterback.

With Brown inactive last week, Stockton highlighted his chemistry with Philo and paced the team with eight catches for 127 yards and a 59-yard touchdown.

The depth behind this trio doesn’t jump off the page, but gives Philo great options no matter who is in. TJ Abrams has added 180 yards on 10 catches, averaging 18 yards per reception. 

Tight end

Aiding in the pass game is tight end Luke Harpring, a reliable option over the middle and underneath, contributing 12 catches for 137 and a touchdown. Fellow tight end Amir Jackson has produced 106 yards on just five receptions, giving the Gators another explosive playmaker, but his bread and butter is run blocking. Jackson has the second-best PFF run-blocking grade in the SEC and ranks 14th in the FBS among tight ends with at least 50 snaps.

Together, this duo can move defenders in the run game and provide a safety valve for Philo through the air.

Offensive line

This group headed into 2026 with more questions than the rest of the offense thanks to a few key departures that ultimately left some holes in the line. While a full rebuild up front wasn’t required, Sumrall and Faulkner opted to find bodies by way of the transfer portal and have found a consistent starting bunch, though their play has been rather inconsistent.

Starting at right tackle is sophomore Emeka Ugorji, a Stanford transfer that was one of the best freshman guards a year ago. George Tech transfer Harrison Moore starts at center while TJ Shanahan Jr., an arrival from Penn State, starts at guard.

Returning starter left guard Knijeah Harris is the most experienced Gator while left tackle Bryce Lovett is in his fourth season at Florida but his first as a starter.

The early-season results suggest that this group has a high ceiling. Baugh had huge holes in their wins and Philo was protected well to open the season. However, things have been rocky in the last two contests with the line giving up pressures and failing to create space in the run game.

Dominating this group up front will set the tone for the Longhorn defense. If the Texas front can bully the Florida offensive line, the offense will struggle.

As a whole, the Florida offense is uber talented at the skill positions and more dangerous than the two recent games would suggest. With Baugh and Wilson, any play can turn into a score. However, the line has struggled in losses and can stall the offense. If Texas limits Baugh early and forces Florida into obvious passing situations, it will give Muschamp the opportunity to truly disrupt the offensive line and challenge the offense.

Defense

The Florida defense comes to Austin with plenty of individual talent but an inability to stop competent offenses. In four SEC games, the Gators have surrendered an average of 37.5 points per game. Defensive coordinator Brad White inherited a roster with returning production up the middle and a need to revamp the secondary.

Defensive line

The most disruptive player on the defensive line is sophomore Jayden Woods. After seeing limited action as a freshman, Woods has showcased an ability to get home with his pass rush. He’ll be the player that Texas will need to identify before every snap.

Through six games, he’s tallied 4.5 sacks and six tackles for loss from his edge position.

Across from him is the other disruptor Emmanuel Oyebadejo, who has recorded 3.5 sacks on the season and can cause pressure if offenses do not accounted for him.

In addition, Kamran James has two sacks on the outside while Brendan Bett and Caleb Banks provide size on the interior. Bett and Banks aren’t the most talented interior defenders the Longhorns will face but can make a difference if not properly managed.

As a whole, this group can generate negative plays but doesn’t dominate. This group will splash here and there but gives up a lot of ground. Texas should be able to run the ball against this group and keep a clean pocket for Manning.

Linebacker

Junior Myles Graham is the most talented player at the position, closely followed by Aaron Chiles. Graham is a returning starter that led the team in tackles a year ago and has the disruption to match.

Listed at 6’1, 228 pounds, he is a versatile defender. Graham can attack downhill against the run, get pressure when blitzing, and even handle responsibility in coverage. His ability to make plays ties the entire defense together. Through six games, he’s leading the team in tackles with 41.

Chiles is another important piece and slots in second in tackles. In his third year in Gainesville, Chiles is another player that opted to remain with the program despite a coaching change. After recording 52 tackles last season, he’s already stepped up in 2026, tallying 32 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, two break ups, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.

As a whole, this unit is athletic and savvy. With experience and talent, accounting for Graham and Chiles will be critical to moving the ball effectively. If the Longhorns can negate the impact that Graham has on the game, they can create opportunities all around the field.

Secondary

Another returning Gator is junior corner Cormani McClain. The former No. 1-ranked corner in the class of 2023 has had a winding road to success in Gainesville. After a chaotic first year at Colorado that featured off-the-field issues and poor tackling, McClain accepted a preferred walk-on invitation from Florida. He redshirted two years ago amidst more off-the-field inconsistencies, but made a noticeable change in behavior and has been a consistent starter since.

McClain is über athletic with size, length, and experience. The Longhorns won’t shy away from him, but he is certainly not the most get-able member of the secondary.

Opposite of McClain is former five-star Ben Hanks, another corner with elite athleticism. He’s been targeted 32 times on the year and allowed 20 catches for 251 yards.

Quite frankly, neither corner has looked their best this season. If the Gators hope to get back to winning, improved play is required from both McClain and Hanks.

The safeties for Florida are Bryce Thornton and DJ Coleman. Thornton is one of the most experienced players. he recorded 56 tackles and seven pass break ups in 2025, and is the leader of the back end.

Coleman is a transfer for Baylor and leads the team with two interceptions.

Special teams

Former AAC Special Teams Player of the Year Patrick Durkin followed Sumrall and was brought in to handle place kicking duties. He’s 9-of-10 on the year with a long of 53 yards. Durkin is reliable and has a strong leg.

The punter is another Tulane transfer in senior Alec Clark. He’s averaging 45.8 yards per punt.

Brown is an elite punt returner, but his status remains unclear, as previously mentioned. He’s dangerous and can be a real weapon when given the chance.

This Florida team is still searching for its identity, particularly on defense. With ample talent to put up points, the biggest struggle has been stopping opposing offenses. If the Longhorns can attack a vulnerable Gator secondary, points will be at a premium. However, the Florida team can also score in a hurry, meaning no lead is safe.

Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. Central on Saturday.