Florida starts up its fall camp this week, which means we are one step closer to football season being in full swing for 2026. This final stretch can sometimes be the toughest for fans because we are so close to the Gators taking the field, yet we are still a full month away from their first game against FAU.
But to help ease the pain and slowly get back into the swing of things, there are some notable games between now and 7:45 on September 5 to help bridge the gap. These are the five most notable games Gator fans should check out before kickoff against FAU.
Five games Florida fans should watch before the FAU opener
- August 6: Panthers vs. Cardinals
- August 13: Colts at Patriots
- August 20: Brentwood Academy at Baylor School
- August 29: Memphis at UNLV
- September 5: Baylor vs. Auburn
- September 5: Florida vs. FAU at 7:45 p.m.
Carolina Panthers vs Arizona Cardinals (Hall of Fame Game)
Date: August 6
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
TV: NBC and Peacock
Florida connection: Stone Forsythe, Cam Jackson, Trevor Etienne, and Zach Carter (and maybe Kyle Trask)
What to watch: Which former Gators receive meaningful preseason snaps?
The Hall of Fame Game is always one of those games we hype up more for the memes and then are reminded, once play actually begins, just how bad preseason football can be at times. This year’s edition of the Hall of Fame Game will have some intrigue for Florida fans as the Panthers have former Florida tackle Stone Forsythe and former defensive tackle Cam Jackson on the roster. Also, can’t forget about former Gator turned Georgia Bulldog, Trevor Etienne. Arizona meanwhile has former DL Zach Carter on their roster.
It’s also worth monitoring this week whether or not the Panthers add former Gator QB Kyle Trask to the roster ahead of the game. Trask worked out with Carolina last week, and while Panthers head coach Dave Canales does have a history with Trask back to Tampa Bay, Trask is still unsigned heading into this week.
Indianapolis Colts vs New England Patriots
Date: August 13
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
TV: NFL+
Florida connection: Anthony Richardson
What to watch: Can Richardson strengthen his case for the Colts’ backup job or increase his trade value?
Don’t worry, this is the only other NFL preseason game we have on the list. The main point of intrigue for Gator fans in this one is going to be the play of former QB Anthony Richardson, who has officially lost his starting role with the Colts and requested a trade in the offseason.
As of now, Richardson is still with the Colts as he is entering the final year of his rookie deal. A strong preseason showing from Richardson could make him intriguing trade bait down the line. A disaster of a showing could seal his fate when thinking about potential suitors for next offseason.
Brentwood Academy (Tenn.) at Baylor School (Tenn.)
Date: August 20
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN2
Florida connection: 2028 tight end Braxton Rein
What to watch: How does Rein perform against elite national competition?
ESPN’s annual showcase of high school football will feature a handful of teams from South Florida, including St. Thomas Aquinas. But their opening game between two Tennessee powerhouse programs will also carry some intrigue for Gator fans.
While the headline player in this game will be running back David Gabriel Georges, who is committed to the Tennessee Volunteers, Gator fans will want to keep an eye on junior tight end Braxton Rein, who has made a couple of recent visits to The Swamp. The belief is that Florida is in the lead for his commitment.
UNLV vs Memphis
Date: August 29
Kickoff: 10 p.m. ET
TV: FOX
Florida connection: Former Gators coach Dan Mullen
What to watch: Is Mullen’s UNLV team a legitimate College Football Playoff contender?
The “Week Zero” slate this year has a couple of interesting games. North Carolina will take on TCU in Ireland, NC State will take on Virginia, and FSU opens play against New Mexico State.
But the contender for game of the day will be the nightcap that features UNLV, led by former Gator coach Dan Mullen, and Memphis. Heading into 2026, several preseason predictions have Mullen and his Rebels as the favorite to be the Group of Six representative in the playoffs this year.
Auburn vs Baylor
Date: September 5
Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. ET
TV: ABC
Florida connection: DJ Lagway and Florida’s Week 3 opponent
What to watch: How dangerous will Auburn be when Florida visits two weeks later?
Labor Day Weekend will be glorious because it means we are finally back with Florida Gators football. But before Florida’s 7:45 kickoff, the game that will probably catch the eye of most Florida fans is the 3:30 kickoff between Auburn and Baylor.
Auburn is Florida’s week three opponent and is going to be the first real test Jon Sumrall is going to get as Florida’s head coach. Baylor, meanwhile, will be rolling out DJ Lagway at QB, and there are going to be plenty of Gator fans interested in seeing how he fares now that he isn’t in Gainesville.
Add us as a preferred source on Google