How Florida football LB Myles Graham convinced rest of "big five" to stay at UF

As one of the first key players to commit to returning to Florida football under Jon Sumrall, junior linebacker Myles Graham played an important role in roster retention.

Graham helped convince the remaining four of the "big five" for the Florida Gators to stay and play under new coach Jon Sumrall.

Sumrall and new Florida football GM Dave Caldwell identified the five players that were a priority to retain from the 2025 roster. The list included Graham, rising sophomore wide receiver Vernell Brown III, rising redshirt freshman receiver Dallas Wilson, rising junior running back Jadan Baugh and rising sophomore edge rusher Jayden Woods.

“I just felt like we had all the pieces we needed and we needed to stay together to do something special," Graham said. "I needed all those guys to come back and play with me and they’re great players. So, I needed them, Coach Sumrall needed them.”

Graham said he talked to all four players before they decided to return but spent the most time on the phone with Baugh, who had a breakout sophomore season with 1,170 yards and a combined 10 TDs (8 rushing, 2 receiving). Baugh was pursued by Texas but opted to return to UF for a one-year Name, Image and Likeness deal reportedly in the $1.2-1.3 million range.

"We have a good bond, so, I wasn’t worried at all," Graham said. "I knew he was, he would come back.”

The 6-foot-1, 225-pound Graham underwent offseason surgery to repair a labrum tear in his shoulder after emerging as one of UF's top defensive players last season, leading UF in tackles (76) and tackles for loss (7). He did not take part in UF's first spring practice on Tuesday, March 3, but is "itching" to get back out on the practice field before the Orange and Blue game on April 11 (noon, TV TBD).

"On the side, seeing guys just running around, having fun, I miss it," Graham said. "I miss you know that chip on my shoulder that I want to get out there but I’m close and I’ll be out there this spring for sure.”

Graham is looking forward to playing in new 3-4 scheme under Sumrall and new defensive coordinator Brad White that will showcase UF''s playmaking ability at linebacker. Florida also returns senior starting linebacker Jaden Robinson and redshirt sophomore linebacker Aaron Chiles. Like Graham, Chiles was a former Under Armour All-American coming out of high school.

"We have an ability to play fast, but physical, play downhill," Graham said. "I think the d-line will do the same, too, so just making the right play behind them, and zoning up and just creating turnovers. It will help us do that too.”

Kevin Brockway is The Gainesville Sun’s Florida beat writer. Contact him at kbrockway@gannett.com. Follow him on X @KevinBrockwayG1. Read his coverage of the Gators’ national championship basketball season in “CHOMP-IONS!” — a hardcover coffee-table collector’s book from The Sun. Details at Florida.ChampsBook.com

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: How LB Myles Graham helped retain key Florida football players from 2025 roster