Swampcast talks Florida football season opener vs FAU, Jon Sumrall debut

The Jon Sumrall era officially begins Saturday, Sept. 5, at The Swamp, when Florida football hosts Florida Atlantic (7:45 p.m., SEC Network). In this week's Swampcast, the Sun's Kevin Brockway and Andrew Abadie break down the matchup between the Florida Gators and Owls with FAU play-by-play voice Ken LaVicka. Brockway says while Florida should be concerned about FAU's top-ranked pass offense in the country from a year ago − led by returning quarterback Caden Veltkamp and returning receiver Easton Messer − the Gators should be able to score early and often against a Owls defense which ranked 130th out of 136 FBS schools in 2025. "They've added a few pieces here and there but to me there's no excuse to not be scoring on this team," Brockway said. "I could see a 49-21 or 56-21 type game if everything is clicking ... this is the big statement, can the offense go out and put points on the board like a pinball machine." Abadie said there could be turnovers on both sides, given Veltkamp's propensity to throw interceptions (24 TDs, 17 interceptions in 2025) and first-year UF quarterback Aaron Philo trying to establish chemistry with a new group of receivers. "I think we're gonna see four, maybe five turnovers in the game," Abadie said. "I think it's going to be wonky that first half and then I think Florida's run game is going to kind of take over." LaVicka said FAU is hopeful for defensive improvement with the addition of SMU defensive tackle transfer Blake Burris and Kansas linebacker transfer Joseph Sipp. The Owls are looking to improve off a 4-8 season under second-year coach Zach Kittley. "They got busy in the portal, that is for sure," LaVicka said. "What's wild is they had the best retention of any Group of Six program in the country, 54 players, but that allowed them to sort of pick and choose in the portal instead of having to open the valve and let a bunch of new talent come in." Kevin Brockway is The Gainesville Sun’s Florida beat writer. Contact him at kbrockway@gannett.com. Follow him on X @KevinBrockwayG1. This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Swampcast talks Florida football season opener vs FAU, Jon Sumrall debut