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Articles by Curan Ahern
The Conference Call: The Alligator’s football reporters pick Week 7 SEC matchups
Week 6 was by far the most unpredictable week of SEC action thus far. No. 1 Texas was vanquished by archrival Oklahoma; Georgia and Alabama put on another classic battle between the sides; And Kentucky, somehow, someway, won by one point in overtime for a second consecutive week. Now, the Alligator’s Florida football beat reporters, Ava DiCecca, Max Bernstein, Curan Ahern and Riley Orovitz, are back to make picks for this week’s eight-game slate.
‘We will not break’: Brad White, Buster Faulkner talk struggles in Weeks 5 and 6
Florida scored at least 44 points in each of its first four games. But since the Gators’ 4-0 start, they’ve totaled just 36 points and lost twice. The defense hasn’t looked the part of a contender either. The Gators have allowed more than 37 points per game on average against SEC competition, and their inability to get off the field on third down has led to back-to-back multi-score losses.
3 takeaways from Jacksonville’s comeback win over the Eagles
Just when it seemed the Jaguars had lost a sixth straight game to the Philadelphia Eagles, Jacksonville snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. Trailing 17-16 with eight seconds remaining, running back Ameer Abdullah exploded for a 53-yard kickoff return that left one second still on the clock. Usually, a team would wait to tackle the returner until the clock hit zero, or at the very least elect for a touchback. But not the Eagles.
Cam Little’s game-winning field goal lifts Jaguars over Eagles in London
Entering their Week 5 London game, the Jaguars and Eagles were in polar opposite situations. Jacksonville was searching for a third straight win and a 4-1 start to its season while an injury-plagued Philadelphia team looked to stop a two-game skid. But with the Eagles missing running backs Saquon Barkley and Tank Bigsby along with receivers Devonta Smith and Hollywood Brown, Philly wasn’t able to get its offense rolling in the second half.
Florida’s defense falters in 19-point Homecoming loss to South Carolina
For a second straight week, the Gators produced a dismal defensive showing in a game they were favored to win. Looking to rebound from a 45-17 blowout loss to Missouri, Florida returned to The Swamp to face a struggling South Carolina squad. But rather than responding and keeping the Gamecocks winless in SEC play, the Gators allowed South Carolina to score on five consecutive drives and tally nearly 400 yards of total offense.
Instant takeaways from Florida’s loss to South Carolina
After a disastrous Week 5 outing at Missouri, Florida headed home to Gainesville searching for momentum in a conference matchup against South Carolina. With arguably their toughest stretch of the season on the horizon — now-No. 1 Texas and now-No. 2 Georgia — the Gators desperately needed a tone-setting win before heading on the road to Austin, Texas. Instead, Florida (4-2, 3-2 SEC) fell flat Saturday.
Jaguars set to face Philadelphia Eagles in Week 5 London contest
Boasting a 3-1 record and sitting atop the AFC South, the Jacksonville Jaguars will head to London for a two-game stint to face the Philadelphia Eagles and Houston Texans. The Jaguars played their first London game in 2013 and have a 7-7 record in games played across the pond. They trail the all-time series with the Eagles 5-3 after five straight losses. The last time Jacksonville faced Philly in London, the Eagles left with a 24-18 victory.
The Conference Call: The Alligator’s football reporters pick Week 6 SEC matchups
In Week 5, the SEC took part in some of Saturday’s most notable games. Florida fell for the first time in 2026 in a rout at Missouri, Alabama demolished Mississippi State on the road and Kentucky won an overtime thriller at South Carolina. Now, the Alligator’s Florida football beat reporters, Ava DiCecca, Max Bernstein, Curan Ahern and Riley Orovitz, are back to make picks for this week’s seven-game slate.
‘There has to be more of a dog mentality’: Brad White, Buster Faulkner talk adjustments ahead of South Carolina
Florida football saw glaring issues hinder its effectiveness on both sides of the ball in a 45-17 loss to Missouri, but with the Gators set for a Homecoming bout against South Carolina on Saturday, defensive coordinator Brad White and offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner spoke on exactly what needs to be improved ahead of Florida’s 12:45 p.m. kick. “You want it to sting,” White said. “A lot of people just say ‘flush the tape, burn the tape,’ whatever, you can’t, man.
Gator Talk takeaways: Sumrall speaks on owning Missouri loss, prep for South Carolina
In his sixth appearance at Gator Talk, Florida head coach Jon Sumrall spoke about the need to embrace the demoralizing 45-17 loss at Missouri and grow moving forward. “I’m not into the whole idea of ‘we’ll just bury it or just move past it,’” he said. “I’m like ‘no, you have to own it.’ You need to have that bad taste in your mouth and the sick feeling in your stomach for a little bit.
Takeaways from the Jaguars’ Week 4 win in Cincinnati
For the second consecutive week, the Jaguars logged two interceptions and showed a bend-but-don’t-break defense that forced opponents to leave the red zone without scoring. Jacksonville’s ability to generate takeaways has been a strength, and the Jags have allowed just 23 points and 106 rushing yards over the last two weeks en route to a 3-1 start. Here are four takeaways from Jacksonville’s 22-17 win over the Bengals on Sunday.
Strong defensive showing lifts Jaguars to first win over Bengals since 2019
Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer. We inform. You decide. Sunday, October 04, 2026 Jacksonville logged two interceptions and allowed just 23 rushing yards in the win After holding the Patriots to just 83 rushing yards in Week 3, the Jaguars’ front seven showed up in a big way in Cincinnati. They held the Bengals to 16 rushing yards in the first half, and Cincinnati finished with just 23 yards on the ground.
Florida fails to find a spark in blowout loss to Missouri
With expectations continuing to soar after a 4-0 start to the season, Florida faced the harsh reality of football in the SEC: any team can humble anyone on any given Saturday. Head coach Jon Sumrall preached that message ahead of the Gators’ 45-17 loss to Missouri, but Florida still fell flat in Memorial Stadium, mustering just 7 points in the second half and allowing 560 yards of total offense. “Hats off to Missouri. They played really good today.
Jaguars head to Cincinnati, look for leg up on all-time series against Bengals
Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer. We inform. You decide. Saturday, October 03, 2026 The all-time series between Jacksonville and Cincinnati is tied 13-13 The Jacksonville Jaguars are coming off their biggest win of the season, a 35-6 rout of the New England Patriots in Week 3. But standing between the Jags and a 3-1 record is a road trip to face the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.
The Conference Call: The Alligator’s football reporters pick Week 5 SEC matchups
In Week 4, the SEC was on the biggest stage possible. And the nine games on the conference slate delivered. No. 1 Texas took down Tennessee at Neyland Stadium, Florida took down then-No. 4 Ole Miss and Mississippi State continued its red-hot start to the season. Now, the Alligator’s Florida football beat reporters, Ava DiCecca, Max Bernstein, Curan Ahern and Riley Orovitz, are back to make picks for this week’s seven-game slate.
Jon Sumrall, Florida set sights on Missouri, 5-0 start
With a riveting 52-28 victory over then-No. 4 Ole Miss that propelled Florida to its first 4-0 start since 2019, the Gators skyrocketed to No. 8 in the AP Top 25 Poll. But head coach Jon Sumrall and Co. are dead set on staying where their feet are and preparing the right way for a fifth consecutive week. “I'm very happy that we won last week. I'm happy that we've won each week so far. It beats the alternative, but I'm not celebrating anything,” Sumrall said.
Takeaways from Jacksonville’s dismantling of New England
After being outgained by 124 total yards against the Denver Broncos in Week 2, the Jacksonville Jaguars faced major questions about whether they would be able to bounce back from a tough road loss and improve their efficiency on both sides of the ball. In a 35-6 rout of the Patriots on Sunday, the Jaguars did just that. Their defense forced three takeaways and held New England to a season-low 83 rushing yards, while Jacksonville quarterback Trevor Lawrence threw for three touchdowns.
Jaguars host Patriots with hopes of a Week 3 bounce back
After a down week from Jacksonville and a 20-3 win by the Patriots that seems to have righted the ship in New England, the Jaguars (1-1) and Patriots (1-1) face off at EverBank Stadium at 1 p.m. Sunday. Jacksonville is coming off its first regular-season loss since Nov. 9, 2025 after allowing Bo Nix and the Broncos to mount a late-game comeback in Denver. Conversely, New England avenged an ugly 13-10 Week 1 loss to Seattle with a dominant win over the Steelers.
Freshly ranked Gators host No. 4 Ole Miss in Week 4 SEC clash
In a highly anticipated Week 4 Southeastern Conference showdown in The Swamp, No. 21 Florida (3-0, 1-0 SEC) will host No. 4 Ole Miss (3-0, 1-0 SEC) at 3:30 p.m. Saturday. With both teams riding the high of statement SEC wins, the Gators and Rebels will meet at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in search of a 4-0 start to their season and a leg up in the all-time series. Florida is currently 13-13-1 through 27 games with Ole Miss, and the Week 4 matchup will tip the scales in favor of either team.
The Conference Call: The Alligator’s football reporters pick Week 4 SEC matchups
The 11-game Week 3 SEC slate was the most unpredictable one yet. Texas A&M was vanquished by unranked Kentucky at home; Florida and Ole Miss picked up emotional rivalry game victories; and Vanderbilt beat NC State in one of the most unforgettable finishes to any football game in recent memory. Now, the Alligator’s Florida football beat reporters, Ava DiCecca, Max Bernstein, Curan Ahern and Riley Orovitz, are back to make picks for this week’s nine-game slate.
3 takeaways from the Jaguars’ Week 2 loss to the Broncos
Headed into Sunday’s matchup against the Denver Broncos, the Jacksonville Jaguars were on one of the best runs in franchise history. The Jags had won nine straight regular-season games, the second-longest streak in the organization's 30-year history. But that streak was snapped at Empower Field at Mile High. Jacksonville surrendered its 13-3 third-quarter lead as the Broncos stormed back to win 20-13.
Jon Sumrall, Florida put Auburn behind them, prepare for Ole Miss
Florida is fresh off a thrilling road win over Auburn on Saturday, but Jon Sumrall won’t let his team get too high. “I'm not thinking about that game ever again,” Sumrall said.
Jaguars fall to Broncos in Denver behind poor pass defense
In a rematch of last year’s Week 16 heavy-hitting matchup between the Jaguars (1-1) and Broncos (1-1), the defenses showed up early. The first five possessions of the game resulted in five punts, and the Jaguars and Broncos combined for just 63 rushing yards in the first half. But a 14-point fourth-quarter surge led Denver to its first win of the season.
Highs and lows: Florida sees offensive explosion, defensive concerns
In a 44-39 win over Auburn at Jordan-Hare Stadium, Florida silenced its doubters. With swirling narratives of whether the Gators would produce a strong showing after beating up on lesser non-conference competition, Florida marched into Auburn, Alabama, and posted 495 total yards and seven sacks.
Gators head to Auburn, kick off conference play Saturday
Southeastern Conference play is back, and Florida’s Week 3 opponent is a familiar one: The Auburn Tigers. Though the two teams haven’t faced off since 2019 and the Gators haven’t headed to Auburn since 2011, there’s been no love lost between the intraconference rivals. Florida (2-0) and Auburn (2-0) have met 84 times dating back to 1912, with Florida winning six of the last 10 contests. But Auburn leads the all-time series 39-43-2 and has been dominant on its own turf at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
The Conference Call: The Alligator’s football reporters pick Week 3 SEC matchups
After another exhilarating week of college football action, headlined this time by Texas’ thrilling 24-23 comeback win over Ohio State, The Alligator’s Florida football beat reporters, Ava DiCecca, Max Bernstein, Curan Ahern and Riley Orovitz, are back to make picks for this week’s 11-game slate. A reminder of how scoring works: Each reporter earns a point for a correct winner pick and three bonus points if they predict the score accurately. Here’s a look at the standings as they currently lie.
Gator Talk takeaways: Sumrall touches on standout Gators, depth pieces
Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer. We inform. You decide. Monday, September 14, 2026 The head coach named multiple players who have made the most of their opportunities Though Florida head coach Jon Sumrall wasn’t entirely happy with his team’s performance in a 52-3 win over Campbell – largely due to scoring just 7 points in the second half — there have been plenty of bright spots.
‘These games count twice’: Jon Sumrall’s Gators gear up for road test against Auburn
The “real” season has arrived. After a 2-0 start with home wins over Florida Atlantic and Campbell, the Florida Gators head on the road for the first time under Jon Sumrall. But this game is personal in many ways. For the first time since 2011, Florida will face the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium, a venue that has hosted some of the most storied battles between the two programs. However, Sumrall’s focus remains the same: Go 1-0 for a third consecutive week and start SEC play in style.
Takeaways from the Jaguars’ season-opening surge past Cleveland
Entering the long-awaited 2026 season opener, head coach Liam Coen made one thing clear: He wanted the Jaguars to be violent and physical. In a dominant 34-10 win over the Cleveland Browns Sunday, Jacksonville lived up to that. It logged five sacks and an interception, forced a fumble and held the Browns to a 1-for-8 clip on third down. Cleveland went scoreless in the first half, and the Jaguars persisted with heavy pressure on quarterback Deshaun Watson through all four quarters.
The terrific trio: Vernell Brown III, Dallas Wilson, Jadan Baugh cement superstar status in style
Last season, wide receivers Vernell Brown III and Dallas Wilson showed flashes of excellence, and running back Jadan Baugh emerged as one of the best runners in the nation. But in Florida’s 52-3 rout over Campbell Saturday, the Gators’ terrific trio dialed it up to a whole other level. Brown followed up his first collegiate touchdown last Saturday with the most impressive performance of his career.
Florida vs. Campbell: Live updates
Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer. We inform. You decide. Saturday, September 12, 2026 Week 2 is here, and the Gators are looking to put together another dominant showing before entering conference play. Florida (1-0) is gearing up to face the Campbell Fighting Camels (2-0), with kickoff set for approximately 5:30 p.m. Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Follow along for live updates.
Jaguars set to open season at home against Cleveland Browns
Coming off a 13-4 season in which they won the AFC South division, the Jaguars will be back in action at EverBank Stadium Sunday at 1 p.m. in a season-opening contest against the Cleveland Browns. Jacksonville is 16-15 on opening day and will play its Week 1 matchup at home for the second consecutive year. Last season, the Jaguars opened their bounce-back campaign with a 26-10 win over the Carolina Panthers.
The Conference Call: The Alligator’s football reporters pick Week 2 SEC matchups
After a Week 1 filled with blowouts and star-making performances, The Alligator’s Florida football beat reporters, Ava DiCecca, Max Bernstein, Curan Ahern and Riley Orovitz, are back to make picks for this week’s 15-game slate. A reminder of how scoring works: Each reporter earns a point for a correct winner pick and three bonus points if they predict the score accurately. Here’s a look at the standings as they currently lie.
Gator Talk takeaways: Sumrall details energy, cohesion
Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer. We inform. You decide. Monday, September 07, 2026 The head coach spoke about Florida’s cohesion and positives from Week 1 In his second appearance at Gator Talk, head coach Jon Sumrall dove into the Gators’ mindset and offensive bright spots following a 66-21 win over Florida Atlantic in Week 1. The biggest change the first-year Florida coach has seen since his arrival in Gainesville is the players’ dedication to the game and drive to attack the weight room.
‘Details matter’: Jon Sumrall talks defensive improvements following Week 1
Following Florida’s victory over Florida Atlantic, head coach Jon Sumrall broke down where his defense both shined and lacked in the 66-21 win. While the defense played hard, Sumrall said he would have liked to see more awareness and attention to detail. The Gators failed to generate quality pressure until the second half on Owls’ quarterback Caden Veltkamp, leading the senior to post 276 passing yards at a 65% clip.
Gators’ defense not up to Jon Sumrall’s standards in season opener
Though the Gators outscored Florida Atlantic by 45 in Jon Sumrall’s highly anticipated debut in Gainesville, the first-year Florida coach wasn’t pleased with the performance of his defense. In a 66-21 rout of the Owls, Florida allowed 396 total yards, including 276 through the air at the hands of FAU graduate quarterback Caden Veltkamp. “Early on with them, we couldn't keep pace,” Sumrall said.
Jon Sumrall’s Gators down FAU in dominant season-opening win
90,295 fans erupted as senior defensive back DJ Coleman snagged Florida’s first interception of the season on an errant third-and-10 pass from FAU graduate quarterback Caden Veltkamp. With anticipation surrounding the program at a boiling point, it took just seven plays for junior quarterback Aaron Philo to find sophomore receiver Vernell Brown III for an electric 49-yard touchdown – both Philo and Brown’s first as Gators.
The Conference Call: The Alligator’s football reporters pick Week 1 SEC matchups
With the start of the SEC college football season days away, The Alligator’s Florida football beat reporters, Ava DiCecca, Max Bernstein, Curan Ahern and Riley Orovitz, made picks for this week’s 16-game slate. Records will be kept throughout the season, with each reporter earning a point for a correct winner pick and a bonus three points if they predict the score exactly correct. All games are listed in the order of date and kickoff time.
Faulkner, Baugh, Brown III outline expectations, improvement entering season
Four days out from Florida’s season opener against Florida Atlantic, expectations are high, energy is palpable and Florida’s leaders are bought into offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner’s scheme. On Tuesday, Faulkner, junior running back Jadan Baugh and sophomore receiver Vernell Brown III detailed the leadership and mentality that makes this year’s Florida team different.
Swamp Talk takeaways: Sumrall outlines mentality at Florida
Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer. We inform. You decide. Monday, August 31, 2026 The head coach spoke about his journey to Florida and the lessons he carries with him Florida head coach Jon Sumrall made his debut at Gator Talk, an hour-long program that runs weekly and covers UF athletics, Monday at The Swamp Restaurant in Gainesville. Hosted by Voice of the Gators, Sean Kelley, Gator Talk takes place each Monday through Nov. 23 from 7-8 p.m., but no show will air Oct. 19 or Nov. 2.
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive preview: Returning defensive front, secondary set stage for 2026 push
When the Buffalo Bills marched 66 yards downfield with under four minutes to play in a 27-24 win over the Jaguars in the 2025 AFC Wildcard game, it exposed the chinks in the armor of Jacksonville’s secondary that hindered the viability of its pass defense all season long. Throughout the 2025 campaign, the Jaguars displayed tenacious run defense, but their ability to defend the pass proved lackluster.
Defense shines, offense lacks consistency in Jaguars’ final preseason contest
With the NFL’s deadline for teams to solidify a 53-man roster coming Sunday at 6 p.m., multiple Jaguars made their case for a spot on Jacksonville’s roster in a 19-0 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Friday at EverBank Stadium. Jacksonville logged five sacks and allowed just 87 total yards as the Jaguars handed the Buccaneers their first and only loss of the preseason.
Aaron Philo, Tramell Jones Jr. talk quarterback battle following QB1 announcement
Florida coach Jon Sumrall announced Monday that redshirt sophomore quarterback Aaron Philo would take QB1 reps over redshirt freshman Tramell Jones Jr. as the Gators prepare for a Sept. 5 season opener against Florida Atlantic. On Tuesday, the pair spoke about the excitement around the position, their close relationship and the work that still needs to be done. As expected, Philo was pleased to be named QB1. He’s prepared to put his head down and continue working to be the best player possible.
The Alligator’s UF football beat reporters predict final SEC football standings
222 days. That’s how long college football fans have waited since Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza kneeled the final snap of the College Football Playoff National Championship game Jan. 19 to get their next taste of college football action. And on Aug. 29, that all changes. For the 16 teams in the Southeastern Conference, all the hype is just that, hype, until the season begins. Then, each team has a shot at making their mark and competing for the ultimate crown.
Early preseason takeaways: Rookies and backups lead the way through two preseason games
Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer. We inform. You decide. Friday, August 21, 2026 Rookies and backups carried the workload in Jacksonville’s win over New Orleans and loss to Carolina The Jacksonville Jaguars opened the 2026 preseason with a comeback win over the New Orleans Saints on the road Aug. 15, but they were bested 34-17 by a high-powered Carolina offense in their preseason home opener.
The Alligator expands sports coverage to NFL with newly established Jacksonville Jaguars beat
Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer. We inform. You decide. Thursday, August 20, 2026 The student-run publication is preparing to branch into coverage of the Jacksonville Jaguars The Independent Florida Alligator has an extensive history of covering the University of Florida and the greater Gainesville area. But beginning in 2026, the publication is expanding its sports coverage to include an NFL beat covering the Jacksonville Jaguars. Why?
Florida football defense preview: Returning linebackers, revamped secondary shape defensive identity
While the Gators defense will be welcomed back with an ear-popping roar from fans at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium when it faces Florida Atlantic and quarterback Caden Veltkamp in the Sept. 5 season opener, this holistic review examines Florida’s defensive unit entering a much-anticipated 2026 season. Here is a breakdown of Florida’s defensive personnel, including the defensive line, linebackers, secondary and special teams unit.
Sumrall talks injuries, urgency following first fall scrimmage
Jon Sumrall and the Gators held their first fall scrimmage of 2026 on Saturday. While the coach was procedurally displeased, he said the scrimmage went well overall as the team preps for a Sept. 5 opener against Florida Atlantic. The biggest areas of improvement Sumrall identified following the scrimmage were procedural issues and space tackling.
Toughness and grit: Sumrall talks mentality ahead of 2026 season
Florida head coach Jon Sumrall spoke with the media following the Gators’ fifth practice of Fall camp, and his message remained unchanged: Players have been elevating, and consistent reps have made play a lot smoother, but more work is needed to build competitive depth. That said, Sumrall has focused on challenging his players to build mental toughness. While he said he’s not quite comfortable yet, the roster is much improved. “The standard is really, really high and it never wavers,” Sumrall said.
Geared for the season: Jones Jr., Philo continue quarterback battle
August has arrived, Fall camp has arrived, and with them comes a plethora of questions, debate, circulating rumors and outside noise. Of the many questions pervading the program, the largest is undoubtedly: Who will represent the University of Florida under center in 2026? Though only one of Florida’s front-running young quarterbacks will be penciled in as a starter when the Gators kick off the 2026 season against Florida Atlantic on Sept.
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