After an entire season of talking and speculation, the Florida Gators are set to take the field for real this weekend. FAU may not be the most exciting opponent, but it should be a solid opening test to see how much things have or have not evolved under Jon Sumrall.
For Florida fans who can’t be in The Swamp and still want to watch the game, this is where you can find it.
How to watch FAU at Florida
- Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026
- Time: 7:45 p.m. ET
- Location: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
- TV: SEC Network
- Streaming: ESPN app or website with a television subscription that includes SEC Network, or ESPN Unlimited
- Radio: Gator Sports Network; SiriusXM channel 145
- Radio pregame coverage: Begins at 4:30 p.m. ET
Announcers for FAU at Florida
SEC Network will have Matt Schumacker on play-by-play, Aaron Murray as the analyst, and Taylor Davis reporting from the sideline.
Florida’s radio broadcast features Sean Kelley, Shane Matthews, and Tate Casey.
The list of local radio stations broadcasting the game can be found here.
Odds for FAU at Florida
- Spread: Florida -26.5
- Moneyline: Florida -2800; FAU +1300
- Total: 59.5 points
Weather forecast in Gainesville, Florida
Saturday night carries a 60% chance of rain, with thunderstorms most likely before 8 p.m. Conditions are expected to become partly cloudy later, with an overnight low around 74 degrees.
All-time series
Florida leads the series 4–0.
The Gators won the most recent matchup 35–14 in 2021. The closest meeting came in 2015, when Florida needed overtime to beat the Owls 20–14. Florida also won 59–20 in 2007 and 41–3 in 2011.
Florida Injury report snapshot
- Out for the season: RB Kelvin Jimenez.
- Questionable: TE Evan Chieca.
- Back practicing: DL Kendall Guervil
FAU at Florida: Key storylines
- Philo’s first start for Florida: You never get a second chance to make a first impression, and after a lengthy QB battle that left fans divided on who should be the starter, Aaron Philo is going to take the field as QB1 after transferring from Georgia Tech this offseason.
- An immediate test for Florida’s pass defense: FAU averaged 340.2 passing yards per game last season, and it should be a good opportunity to see where Florida’s defense is at.
- A full house for Sumrall’s debut: Florida announced the opener is sold out, extending its streak to 19 consecutive home sellouts. Coming off a 4-8 season, that’s not bad. Take notes, Southern Cal.
- Drone show at halftime: Florida has scheduled a drone show following the band’s performance, with synchronized LED wristbands distributed to fans. We’ll see how well it is executed, but most fans probably just want to see a Florida win on the field.
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