So, you're looking for the score. You've got that Saturday morning itch—even though it’s a Wednesday in the middle of January—and you're wondering if the Orange and Blue are taking the field. I'll give it to you straight: No, the Florida Gators do not play football today. Honestly, if they were playing right now, something would be very weird. It's January 14, 2026. The 2025 season is officially in the rearview mirror, and the 2026 kickoff is still a massive 234 days away. The Gators aren't in The Swamp today; they’re likely in the weight room or navigating the chaotic waters of the transfer portal under their new leadership.
Why There’s No Game: The State of the Swamp
College football is a seasonal beast. The regular season traditionally wraps up with that high-stakes rivalry against Florida State in late November. Because the Gators finished the 2025 campaign with a 4-8 record, they didn't qualify for a bowl game this winter. While teams like Ole Miss and Georgia were battling it out in the postseason, Florida's season ended abruptly after their 40-21 thumping of FSU on November 29.
It was a weird year. Billy Napier was let go mid-season, Billy Gonzales stepped in as the interim, and now we’re officially in the Jon Sumrall era. If you're looking for Gator football today, you're going to find roster moves and coaching hires rather than touchdowns.
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The 2025 Season Recap (The Good, The Bad, and The Spitting)
You might have missed some of the drama if you only tune in for the big games. Last season was a rollercoaster that mostly went downhill, but it had a few peaks that actually keep hope alive for 2026.
- The Texas Upset: On October 4, the Gators shocked No. 9 Texas with a 29-21 win. It was the kind of game that makes you think Florida is "back," right before they lost to Mississippi State two weeks later.
- The Jadan Baugh Show: If there’s one reason to be excited for the future, it’s Baugh. He ended the season with a legendary 266-yard rushing performance against the Seminoles. He became the first Gator since 2015 to hit the 1,000-yard mark.
- The Discipline Issues: Remember the USF game? DL Brendan Bett literally spat at a player, extending a drive that led to a South Florida upset. It was that kind of season.
Do the Florida Gators Play Football Today? Not Until September
If you’re checking the calendar for the next real game, mark September 5, 2026. That’s when the Gators host Florida Atlantic to open the next season.
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The 2026 schedule is actually going to be historic. For the first time, the SEC is moving to a nine-game conference schedule. This means more big-name opponents and fewer "cupcake" games, though Campbell (Sept 12) is still on the docket to give the starters a breather.
Key Dates for the 2026 Season
- September 5: vs. Florida Atlantic (Season Opener)
- September 19: at Auburn (First time playing there since 2011!)
- October 31: vs. Georgia (This one is in Atlanta at Mercedes-Benz Stadium this year, not Jacksonville).
- November 7: vs. Oklahoma (The Sooners' first-ever trip to Gainesville as a conference foe).
What’s Happening Right Now Instead of Football?
Since there’s no game today, the "action" is all happening in the administrative offices and the transfer portal. This is basically the "free agency" of college sports.
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Jon Sumrall has been busy. Just yesterday, January 13, the Gators picked up Kanye Clark, a defensive back from UCLA. A few days before that, they grabbed wide receiver Eric Singleton Jr., who is expected to be a massive deep threat for whoever wins the starting QB job.
The biggest "win" of the offseason so far hasn't been a game, but a retention. The "Fab Five"—Jadan Baugh, Vernell Brown III, Dallas Wilson, Jayden Woods, and Myles Graham—all recently signed NIL deals to stay in Gainesville. In the modern era of college football, keeping your stars from being poached by Texas or Alabama is just as important as winning a game on a Saturday in October.
Actionable Insights for Gator Fans
Since you can't watch a game today, here is how you can actually stay plugged in during the "dark months" of the offseason:
- Track the Portal: The current transfer window closes on January 16. Keep an eye on the defensive line; Sumrall is clearly looking for more bulk up front to improve on last year's 24.0 points allowed per game.
- Watch the Orange & Blue Game: The annual spring scrimmage usually happens in mid-April. It’s the first real look at the new schemes and the incoming freshmen.
- Check the NFL Playoffs: If you’re missing Gator football, check the NFL Wildcard and Divisional rosters. Guys like Anthony Richardson and Kyle Pitts are usually carrying the torch this time of year.
Basically, don't expect any pads popping in Gainesville today. The team is in "rebuild and retain" mode. It's a long wait until September, but with a 9-game SEC schedule looming, the coaching staff doesn't have a single day off.