NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

With the 2026 college football season right around the corner, it's time to take a deep dive into the Florida Gators' schedule for the upcoming regular season.

This offseason brought plenty of change to the program, as former Tulane Green Waves head coach Jon Sumrall was hired to take over for Billy Napier. Unfortunately for the up-and-coming coach, he will have to take on a brutal Southeastern Conference schedule during his first year in Gainesville.

Here's everything you need to know about the Gators' Week Five matchup against the Missouri Tigers.

Other Previews:

Auburn Tigers

Ole Miss Rebels

Game Information

• Week Five
• Oct. 3 at Missouri
• Betting Lines: TBD

History

Florida's battle against the Tigers this year will be the first time the program takes on Missouri since its brutal late-season loss back in 2023.

The previous contest between the two SEC programs was a complete bloodbath, as former Missouri quarterback Brady Cook threw for 331 yards and one touchdown, while former running back Cody Schrader rushed for 148 yards and one touchdown on 23 attempts in the 33-31 defeat.

Outside of putting up 261 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground, the Gators' offense was lifeless. Florida managed to score three touchdowns in the second half, but was unable to complete the comeback late in the matchup.

Offense

With head coach Eli Drinkwitz back in the saddle this year, the Tigers' offense will look different in 2026 under the highly-touted coach.

The main catalyst on offense, running back Ahmad Hardy, is set to be a key piece of the unit once again this season. The former ULM transfer tallied 1,649 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns on 256 carries in 2025, but after being shot while attending a concert back in May, many fans were concerned that Hardy would miss time this season. However, the electric playmaker was recently cleared to return from injury, which means the Gators must find a way to contain him this year.

Drinkwitz's first major change this season occurred at the quarterback position, as former Ole Miss backup Austin Simmons is projected to be named the starter for the 2026 season. After struggling at the beginning of the 2025 season, Simmons would eventually lose the Rebels' starting job to Trinidad Chambliss. Still, with a new offensive scheme in place for the junior quarterback, there's a chance that he could thrive alongside Hardy on offense.

Unfortunately for Simmons, Missouri's leading pass catcher in 2025, Kevin Coleman, is off to the NFL. Drinkwitz and the coaching staff will now turn to fellow Ole Miss transfer Cayden Lee and returner Donovan Olugbode to handle the passing attack in 2026. The duo combined for 1,036 receiving yards and five touchdowns on 74 receptions in 2025, making the unit a serious threat for the Gators.

Defense

Luckily for Sumrall and company, Missouri's defense will lack experience heading into this season, with most of its starters moving on this offseason.

This year, the Tigers' defense will be held together by a terrific linebacker combination of Nicholas Rodriguez and Auburn transfer Robert Woodyard. The one-two punch commanding the middle of the field combined for 128 tackles, eight pass breakups, 7.5 tackles for losses, and 3.5 sacks in 2026, but will have to make up for the lack of pressure from the front four due to the departure of EDGE Zion Young.

Looking at the Tigers' secondary, the unit now features plenty of new faces in the cornerback room, including Ole Miss transfer Chris Graves and Oregon transfer Sione Laulea. Graves played a key rotational role for the Rebels in 2025, racking up 33 tackles and three pass deflections, while Laulea saw limited time throughout the Ducks' run for a National Championship.

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos