If you’re waking up on this chilly Sunday, January 18, 2026, and looking for pads popping or the "Gator Chomp" at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, I’ve got some news that might bum you out. Honestly, it’s a ghost town at The Swamp right now.
Do the gators play football today? No. They definitely don’t.
Actually, the entire college football world is basically in a holding pattern. We are currently sitting in that weird limbo between the New Year’s bowl frenzy and the massive National Championship game, which isn't happening until tomorrow night. So, if you were planning on tailgating or wearing your lucky orange-and-blue jersey for a kickoff today, you might want to pivot to the couch for some NFL playoffs instead.
Why There’s No Florida Football This Weekend
The 2025 season was, to put it lightly, a rollercoaster that went off the rails. Florida finished with a 4-8 record. That means they weren't even eligible for a bowl game this winter. While teams like Indiana and Miami are prepping for the title game in South Florida tomorrow, the Gators have been home since late November.
It’s been a chaotic few months in Gainesville.
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Billy Napier is out. Jon Sumrall is in. The program is basically being rebuilt from the studs up as we speak. When a team misses the postseason, the "today" in your search query usually refers to recruiting battles or transfer portal drama rather than actual downs and distance.
What You Can Watch Instead
Even though the football team is idle, there is plenty of Gator action if you just need to root for someone in a Florida uniform.
- Women’s Basketball: The Lady Gators are actually playing Missouri right now (2 p.m. ET start). You can catch that on SEC Network+.
- Men's Hoops: They just coming off a massive road win against Vanderbilt yesterday. They don't play again until Tuesday against LSU.
- NFL Divisional Playoffs: This is the big draw for today. Since it's Sunday in mid-January, the NFL owns the airwaves. You'll see plenty of former Gators like Anthony Richardson or Kyle Pitts potentially making plays on the professional stage.
When Do the Gators Play Football Again?
If you’re the type of fan who needs a countdown clock, you’re going to need a lot of patience. We are months away from meaningful contact.
The first time you'll see the team in uniform is the Orange & Blue Game on April 11, 2026. That’s the spring scrimmage where we get our first look at Coach Sumrall’s new system. It's usually a glorified practice, but after the way last season ended, the hype for a fresh start is going to be through the roof.
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The 2026 Regular Season Schedule
Looking way ahead? The real deal starts in September. Here is how the early 2026 slate looks:
- September 5: vs. Florida Atlantic (The Season Opener)
- September 12: vs. Campbell (First time these two have ever played)
- September 19: at Auburn (The SEC opener)
It’s a long wait. I know. The "offseason" in college football has become a sport in itself, though. Between National Signing Day and the spring transfer window, the roster you see today might look completely different by the time they actually take the field in September.
The State of the Program: Why Today Matters Anyway
While there’s no game today, today is actually a massive day for the future of Florida football. Why? Because the coaching staff is currently in the middle of a recruiting blitz.
Coach Sumrall is trying to stabilize a locker room that saw stars like DJ Lagway head for the transfer portal. He's also trying to lock down Jadan Baugh, who was a rare bright spot last year with over 1,000 rushing yards. In the modern era, the "games" are won in January in living rooms and NIL negotiations, not just on Saturdays in the fall.
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So, while the answer to "do the gators play football today" is a hard no, the work being done in the facility today will decide if we're asking this same question next January—hopefully because they're preparing for a playoff game instead of sitting on the couch.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you're feeling the football withdrawal, here is what you should actually do today:
- Check the Transfer Portal: Follow the 247Sports or On3 trackers. This is where the 2026 roster is being built in real-time.
- Tune into the SEC Network+: Support the Women’s Basketball team against Mizzou at 2:00 PM.
- Mark April 11 on your calendar: That’s the Spring Game. It’s the next time you can legally enter Ben Hill Griffin Stadium to watch a forward pass.
- Watch the NFL Playoffs: It's the only high-level football happening today. Enjoy the divisional round while it lasts.
The "Swamp" is quiet for now, but the rebuild is loud. Hang in there, Gator Nation.