Florida Opens Fall Camp With Strength Gains, Consistency as Sumrall's Standard
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Photo by Eddie Gilley/GatorBait Media
By GatorBait Media Staff
Aug. 5, 2026
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida opened preseason camp under first-year coach Jon Sumrall on Wednesday with a measurable offseason result already in place.
Across four primary lifts — power clean, bench press, squat and deadlift — the roster improved by nearly 14,000 pounds from January to the start of camp, Sumrall said during Tuesday's news conference. He credited director of football performance Rusty Whitt and the players, while emphasizing that the gains must translate to the field.
The total reflects an offseason built around strength, body composition and durability. Sumrall said the offensive line made significant gains in the weight room and that testing showed notable fat loss and muscle gain across the roster.
Still, Sumrall's main message entering camp was not about weight-room totals. It was whether Florida can reproduce its best work every day.
“You cannot calculate your effort you give by how you feel.”
Sumrall said spring practice produced encouraging stretches, but not enough consistency. Preseason camp is the next test of whether those flashes can become a repeatable standard.
“We have a lot of growth that's needed,” Sumrall said.
A controlled opening
The Gators are scheduled to practice four consecutive days, Wednesday through Saturday. Sumrall said the staff will alternate lower- and higher-load sessions while monitoring practice yardage and total distance, particularly for skill-position players who can be more susceptible to soft-tissue injuries.
Most practices will remain in the morning, following the format Florida used in the spring. Sumrall said the second scrimmage will be held at night because the season opener is scheduled for an evening kickoff.
Early availability report
Florida entered camp with only a few players limited or under evaluation. Sumrall said tight end Jaylen Jordon would miss the opening couple of days with a minor injury. Freshman safety Kaiden Hall had a minor soft-tissue issue and was scheduled to be evaluated before Wednesday's practice.
Cornerback Dijon Johnson was available for the opening practice but was expected to work on a pitch count in selected drills as he continued his return from the knee injury that ended his 2025 season. Sumrall said Johnson recently reached 22.5 mph in training.
Offensive lineman Fletcher Westphal, who did not play in 2025 because of injury, entered camp as a full participant. Wide receiver Dallas Wilson also is fully cleared after a foot injury limited him in 2025, though Sumrall said Florida will manage Wilson's workload with the season in mind.
New additions join the evaluation
Sumrall confirmed that defensive lineman Stive-Bentley Keumajou Yondui reclassified from the 2027 recruiting class and joined Florida for camp. Sumrall said the developing prospect has notable athletic ability, a strong work ethic and significant room to grow.
Jordon is another unconventional addition. The former Jacksonville University basketball player worked out at Florida's pro day before the staff determined he had remaining football eligibility. Florida will evaluate him at tight end.
Quarterback remains the most closely watched position battle. Georgia Tech transfer Aaron Philo and redshirt freshman Tramell Jones Jr. entered camp as the most experienced candidates, while Sumrall has said the job will be earned through practice.
What's next
The Gainesville Sun and Gators Online reported that Florida is scheduled to hold scrimmages Aug. 15 and Aug. 22. The Gators open the season against Florida Atlantic at 7:45 p.m. Sept. 5 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. The game will air on SEC Network.