Florida Gators' 2026 Schedule Preview: Kentucky Wildcats
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The 2026 college football season is right around the corner, which means it's time to examine the Florida Gators' schedule before Week One.
This offseason, the program hired Jon Sumrall to be the next head coach of the Gators. And while the former Tulane Green Waves' coach has gotten off to a remarkable start on the recruiting trail, Sumrall and his coaching staff will have their work cut out for them this season.
Florida's 2026 SEC schedule is loaded with some of the best teams in the conference, but the program must keep an eye on a sneaky late-season matchup on the road against the Kentucky Wildcats and newly-hired head coach Will Stein.
Other previews:
Game Information
- Week 11
- Nov 14 at Kentucky
- Betting lines: TBD
History
Last year, the Gators were dismantled by the Wildcats, 38-7. Former starting quarterback DJ Lagway struggled for a majority of the contest, throwing for 83 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions while completing 11 of his 19 pass attempts. In addition to Lagway's poor performance, Florida could not stop Kentucky's run game, as Seth McGowan and Dante Dowdell combined for 196 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 29 carries.
Offense
With Stein taking over for the Wildcats, the once highly-touted playcaller is set to have former Notre Dame quarterback Kenny Minchey commanding his offense in 2026.
Minchey, prior to entering the transfer portal this offseason, was in a heated quarterback battle with standout CJ Carr before the 2025 season. The former four-star recruit has limited starting experience, appearing in 10 career games and completing 23 of 29 pass attempts for 212 yards. But Minchey proved to be an underrated dual-threat quarterback by tallying nine carries for 96 yards and two touchdowns.
Fortunately for Stein and Minchey, Kentucky's elite running back duo of CJ Baxter and Jovantae Barnes will be key offensive weapons this season.
Both running backs bring plenty of potential to the ground game, as Baxter was named the Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year in 2023 with the Texas Longhorns and Barnes accumulated over 1,200 rushing yards in four seasons with the Oklahoma Sooners. The main concern for the electric duo will not be their play on the field, but rather their availability on a weekly basis. Baxter and Barnes possess a poor injury track record, but if they can stay healthy, the one-two punch could be one of the best in the SEC.
Looking at the premier weapons for Stein this year, LSU wide receiver transfer Nic Anderson will likely be the main contributor in the passing game in 2026.
The redshirt senior did not receive much playing time throughout his college career, but at 6-foot-4, 210 lbs., Anderson's potential is through the roof. If Stein is able to use him as a vertical threat in the passing game, the Wildcats' offense could hit the ground running early in the regular season.
Defense
On defense, the Wildcats' main catalyst will be defensive tackle Tavion Gadson in 2026.
At 6-foot-5, 298 lbs., Gadson was one of the top interior defenders in the SEC last season, posting 28 tackles and 2.5 sacks. His terrific efforts last season included the second-best pass-rush grade in the SEC, according to PFF. Gadson possesses every tool to be a monster in the trenches and will be heavily relied on when facing Florida's star running back Jadan Baugh.
Assisting Gadson in the trenches this season will be EDGE Mi'Quise Humphrey-Grace.
In his 11 games played last year, Humphrey-Grace finished with 31 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 3.5 forced fumbles coming off the EDGE. The senior defensive end, who originally transferred to the program in 2025 from South Dakota, is projected to be the main facilitator in the Wildcats' pass rush unit alongside Gadson.
Rounding out Kentucky's defense this year is senior safety Ty Bryant.
While commanding the Wildcats' secondary unit last year, Bryant recorded 76 tackles, four interceptions, two tackles for loss, and one pass breakup. Kentucky has produced plenty of NFL-caliber defensive backs over the last few seasons, and Bryant could be next in line.
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