Florida vs Florida Atlantic Prediction: Are Jon Sumrall's Gators Ready to Go?
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
After a dismal run of football at a place that’s supposed to be playing for national titles, Florida got itself a football coach in Jon Sumrall.
A success at Troy and then at Tulane, he’s expected to win right away with a good base of players returning to go along with a great group of transfers. But his Gators are about to be tested by a dangerous Florida Atlantic team with an offense that will keep pressing all game long.
Florida vs Florida Atlantic: Quick Hits
- It’s the fourth time these two have played. The Gators are 4-0, with the last meeting a 35-14 win to open the 2021 season.
- Florida has lost two of its last three season openers. It gets Campbell next before opening the SEC season at Auburn.
- Florida Atlantic has lost six of its last nine openers. It starts the American season next week against Navy.
How To Watch Florida vs Florida Atlantic
Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026
Game Time: 7:45 pm ET
TV: SEC Network
Location: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, FL
– CFN Week 1 Schedule, Predictions
– CFN Week 1 Expert Picks
Why Florida Atlantic Will Win
Here comes the passing game. Florida might be improved on both sides of the ball, but it’ll have to deal with Owl quarterback Caden Veltkamp running the Zach Kittley offense. It’s going to throw, and throw, and throw some more.
The Gator secondary took one of the biggest hits through the transfer portal. It’ll be tested immediately in this by the passing game that finished No. 1 in the nation last year.
– Florida Atlantic 2026 Preview
Why Florida Will Win
The Owl run defense will be in for a long day.
Florida will want to be balanced, and there’s a good passing game about to kick in, but the Gators won’t get too cute. Florida Atlantic got ripped apart last year by teams that could run, and that’s where Jaden Baugh comes in. The team’s leading rusher last year will combine with Cincinnati transfer Evan Pryor to grind away.
– Florida 2026 Preview
Florida vs Florida Atlantic Prediction, Betting Lines
When the Florida Atlantic offense works, it’s great. When it struggles, it really struggles, and it really struggled against the better teams last season.
That, and Sumrall has seen this before. His Tulane team won 35-24 last year in a game that was far more comfortable than the final score. FAU threw it 57 times, and it’ll try doing that again. The Gators, though, will hold up just fine.
Florida 44, Florida Atlantic 16
Latest Consensus Line: Florida -26.5, o/u: 59.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 2.5
Must See Rating (out of 5): 3
Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos