Florida football opens up its 2026 campaign on Saturday, Sept. 5, inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium against the FAU Owls. With less than two weeks until Jon Sumrall's debut as the Gators' new head coach, BetMGM already has the early betting odds up for everyone to see.
The two schools have met four times prior on the collegiate gridiron — all in Gainesville — with the Orange and Blue undefeated so far in the Sunshine State series. The last time Florida and FAU faced off was for the 2021 season opener in the Swamp, where the home team prevailed, 35-14.
In 2015, the Owls gave the Gators a scare, forcing overtime before succumbing to Jim McElwain's team for a 20-14 victory that gave the head coach the most wins by any first-year UF football coach at the time.
Florida also won in 2011 and 2007 by scores of 41-3 and 59-20, respectively.
Take a look below at the early betting lines for the fifth meeting between the Gators and Owls.
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Florida vs. FAU odds, money line, over/under
Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Tuesday, Aug. 25
- Moneyline: +1200 / -3000
- Spread: Florida by 26.5
- Over/under: 59.5
Florida vs. FAU predictions, picks for college football
Sumrall and Co. will be looking to come out strong to open the season; Florida will not pull any punches despite an overmatched opponent. There will be plenty of rust to shake off, plus the growing pains that come with a new coaching staff, so it is unlikely to be completely smooth sailing.
Aaron Philo will make some good plays and Tramell Jones Jr. will likely take some snaps too, but expect Jadan Baugh to carry the brunt of the offense on his preseason All-SEC shoulders. The defense should handle the Owls with little difficulty and will use this opportunity to coalesce as a corps.
PREDICTION: Florida 38, FAU 13
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida vs. FAU predictions, picks: Early odds for 2026 season opener
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