FLORIDA GATORS TRUE FRESHMEN WHO COULD PLAY AGAINST FAU

Florida’s first depth chart of the Jon Sumrall era has revealed a small group of freshmen who could be ready for immediate action.

The Gators released their two-deep ahead of Saturday’s season opener against Florida Atlantic. Only three true freshmen appear on the chart.

That does not mean those will be the only freshmen who play.

Sumrall has emphasized that playing time will be based on trust and readiness. Several other first-year players could earn opportunities once the game begins.

KJ Ford could make an early impact against FAU

KJ Ford is one of the clearest freshman candidates to see the field.

The former four-star recruit is listed as a co-backup at jack linebacker behind Jayden Woods. Kofi Asare is also listed alongside Ford.

Ford’s position on the depth chart is hardly surprising.

He was one of the top recruits in Florida’s 2026 class and impressed during his first offseason in Gainesville. He competed with Asare for the chance to become Woods’ primary backup.

His development did hit a bump during fall camp.

Sumrall said Ford “hit a little bit of a wall” early in training camp. The freshman responded strongly during the final week.

That response mattered.

Sumrall made it clear that Florida intends to play players it trusts.

Ford appears to have earned that trust.

“I think there’s a lot of guys who helped themselves,” Sumrall said. “We are going to play the players we trust.”

He then indicated that Ford would play Saturday night.

For a freshman linebacker, that makes Ford one of the most important young players to monitor against FAU.

Heze Kent has forced his way into the tight end rotation

Heze Kent may be the biggest surprise among Florida’s freshmen.

The four-star tight end entered spring camp at 6-foot-6 and 313 pounds. His physical condition quickly became one of the major areas he needed to address.

Kent went to work.

He lost 30 pounds of fat mass before fall camp began while continuing to develop at tight end.

There was also outside pressure for Florida to consider moving him to offensive tackle.

Instead, Kent remained focused on his tight end development.

His athletic ability has become increasingly difficult to overlook.

Sumrall has repeatedly praised Kent’s ball skills, even suggesting that the freshman could have the best hands on the team.

His improvement has also changed the coach’s expectations.

Sumrall admitted that back in January, he believed there was only a small chance Kent would be ready to play during his freshman season.

That outlook changed during the summer.

Then it changed again during training camp.

Kent is now listed as the backup Y tight end behind Lacota Dippre.

That gives him a legitimate path to playing time against FAU.

Lincoln Anderson gives Florida another freshman option

Lincoln Anderson is the third true freshman officially listed on Florida’s two-deep.

The Hoover, Alabama, native is the backup long snapper behind Carter Milliron.

But Anderson has another responsibility.

He is listed as Florida’s starting short snapper ahead of Milliron.

That could make him an early contributor on special teams.

Anderson joined Florida ahead of fall camp after being rated as a 4.5-star prospect by Kohl’s Kicking.

His role is different from Ford and Kent, but it could still put him on the field immediately.

CJ Bronaugh could play despite missing the two-deep

Florida’s two-deep should not be viewed as a complete list of freshmen who will see action.

CJ Bronaugh is the clearest example.

The former four-star cornerback is not listed on the depth chart. Still, Sumrall said Bronaugh could play against FAU.

Bronaugh missed spring camp because of injuries.

That setback left him behind when fall camp began.

Once healthy, however, he started showing why Florida recruited him.

Bronaugh flashed during fall camp and pushed himself into consideration for playing time.

Sumrall believes the young corner has significant potential.

“CJ was out during the spring, but when he’s been available, he’s flashed as a player that I think has a high ceiling and just really good potential,” Sumrall said.

The missed spring work remains a factor.

Had Bronaugh been healthy throughout the spring, Sumrall believes he could have been much closer to significant action on the depth chart.

Still, Saturday could offer the freshman his first opportunity to prove himself in a game.

Justin Williams and Davian Groce remain names to watch

The freshman class does not stop with the players already mentioned.

Receivers Justin Williams and Davian Groce have also pushed for opportunities.

Both have competed to become depth pieces at receiver.

Special teams could provide another route onto the field.

That is particularly important for young players who have not yet established themselves in the offensive or defensive rotation.

Sumrall expects that situation to change as the season progresses.

Some freshmen could begin the season outside the two-deep before earning larger roles.

Others could make their biggest contributions on special teams.

Florida’s freshman picture could change quickly

The three freshmen on the depth chart provide the clearest indication of who Florida currently trusts.

Ford has a defensive role.

Kent has emerged at tight end.

Anderson has a specialist responsibility.

But Bronaugh, Williams and Groce remain potential contributors.

That distinction matters.

A depth chart is a snapshot. It is not necessarily a prediction of every snap a player will receive.

Sumrall has already signaled that freshmen who prove themselves will have opportunities.

The FAU game will provide the first real test.

Florida’s coaching staff will learn which young players are ready for meaningful college football action and which ones still need time.

For Ford and Kent especially, Saturday could be the beginning of much bigger roles.

The Gators and Florida Atlantic are scheduled to kick off Saturday at 7:45 p.m. ET, with television coverage on SEC Network.

For Florida, the opener will also provide the first game-day look at a young group that could become increasingly important as the season unfolds.

Florida Gators true freshmen who could play against FAU could make their presence felt sooner than expected.