Just two days stand between Florida football and the beginning of the Jon Sumrall era as the team prepares for its season-opener in the Swamp against the FAU Owls. The Gators remain strongly favored in the Sunshine State matchup according to BetMGM's betting odds, which remain unchanged from the two days prior.
On Wednesday, Sumrall spoke at his first-ever SEC teleconference, expressing his excitement about the start of the 2026 campaign.
"We play Saturday at 7:55 against FAU and we’re excited about it," he told the press.
The two schools have met four times prior on the collegiate gridiron — all in Gainesville — with the Orange and Blue undefeated so far. The last time Florida and FAU faced off was for the 2021 season opener inside Ben Hill Griffin
Stadium, where the home team prevailed, 35-14.
Take a look below at Thursday's latest betting lines for the fifth meeting between the Gators and Owls.
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Florida vs. FAU odds, moneyline, over/under
Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Thursday, Sept. 3
- Moneyline: +1800 / -5000
- Spread: Florida by 26.5
- Over/under: 59.5
Florida vs. FAU college football game information
- Date: Saturday, Sept. 5
- Time: 7:45 p.m. ET
- Location: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, Florida
Florida vs. FAU predictions, picks for college football
Gators Wire's predictions, picks for Florida's Week 1 matchup vs FAU
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 should use this opportunity to coalesce as a corps. It will also be interesting to see how a mostly revamped special teams unit performs.
PREDICTION: Florida 38, FAU 13
Florida football's 2026 schedule
- Sept. 5: Florida Atlantic (7:15 p.m. ET)
- Sept. 12: Campbell (5:30 p.m. ET)
- Sept. 19: at Auburn (7 p.m. ET)
- Sept. 28: Ole Miss (TBD)
- Oct. 3: at Missouri (TBD)
- Oct. 10: South Carolina (TBD)
- Oct. 17: at Texas (TBD)
- Oct. 31: Georgia (3:30 p.m. ET)
- Nov. 7: Oklahoma (TBD)
- Nov. 14: at Kentucky (TBD)
- Nov. 21: Vanderbilt (TBD)
- Nov. 27: at FSU (3:30 p.m. ET)
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida vs FAU predictions, picks: Thursday's odds for season opener
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