GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Jon Sumrall era began with a bang Saturday night as Florida steamrolled Florida Atlantic 66-21 before a sold-out crowd at the Swamp.
Junior quarterback Aaron Philo threw for 275 yards and three touchdowns, while running back Jadan Baugh rushed for 160 yards and three scores as the Gators piled up 624 yards of offense.
Florida needed little time to seize control. Vernell Brown III turned Philo’s first touchdown pass into a dazzling 49-yard catch-and-run, helping the Gators build a 17-0 first-quarter lead.
FAU briefly made things interesting in the second quarter. Ethan Ervin scored from one yard out, and quarterback Caden Veltkamp followed with a 7-yard touchdown run that cut Florida’s advantage to 24-14.
Then the floodgates opened.
Baugh scored on three consecutive Florida possessions, including runs of 12, 7 and 6 yards, as the Gators turned a competitive game into a 52-14 blowout. His 61-yard burst set up his final touchdown.
Philo completed 16 of 21 passes and also scored on a 3-yard run. His touchdown strikes went to Brown, Bailey Stockton and Duke Clark before he headed to the sideline late in the third quarter with the outcome long decided.
Brown finished with six receptions for 117 yards. Backup quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. added a late touchdown pass to Micah Jones as Florida posted its highest point total since a 70-52 win over Samford in 2021.
Veltkamp completed 34 of 52 passes for 276 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. Kelby Valsin led the Owls with 10 catches for 92 yards and a score.
The victory delivered an emphatic opening statement for Sumrall, whose Gators looked faster, sharper and far more energized than the team Florida fans endured during the final years of the Billy Napier era.
Florida hosts Campbell next Saturday. FAU returns home to face Navy on Sept. 12.
