![Florida offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner works out the quarterbacks during the first day of Florida Spring football practice at Heavener Football Center in Gainesville, FL on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_175,w_1938,h_1090/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ReutersImages/mmsport/213/01kxkxhjcp5z3szxd1zn.jpg "Florida offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner works out the quarterbacks during the first day of Florida Spring football practice at Heavener Football Center in Gainesville, FL on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]")
Former Florida Gator QB great Shane Matthews knows that many fans are excited about Jon Sumrall taking over the program, but some fans are not ready to drink the Kool-Aid. Matthews, however, wants a full pitcher because he likes what he's seen so far, especially on offense.
Matthews was a guest on 1010XL in Jacksonville and talked with host Dan Hicken about what he believes Buster Faulkner will be able to do in his first season running the Gators offense.
Will the Buster Faulkner hire work WONDERS for Florida’s offense in 2026?🐊🏈
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Florida Gators legend Shane Matthews joined Dan Hicken on The Drill to discuss expectations for the Gators in 2026, recruitment, and more.
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READ MORE: Anonymous SEC coach explains just how massive hiring Buster Faulkner was for Florida
Matthews said that the Faulkner hire was a slam dunk and credited Sumrall for putting together a staff that has what it takes to win in the SEC. The two-time SEC Player of the Year (1990 & 1991) spent some time around the program over the spring and is very optimistic about the future.
"I saw more completions in spring practice than I've seen around here in a long time and that excites me," Matthews said.
Shane Matthews gives full endorsement of Jon Sumrall and Buster Faulkner
Matthews compared Sumrall's approach to that of Hall of Fame Gators coach Steve Spurrier and if anyone is qualified to make that comparison, it's Matthews. The three-time All-SEC first-team quarterback led the conference in passing from 1990-92 behind the tutelage of Spurrier. He also got to experience Spurrier's unabashed way of talking with the media and challenging his players. It's another similarity he sees between the two coaches.
"You don't see a lot of coaches calling out players or groups, but he expects to win. He knows he has to win here," he said.
He saved many compliments for Faulkner as well and believes that he's the right man to bring the Gators offense back up to speed. There are some decisions to be made, most notably at quarterback where Aaron Philo and Tramell Jones, but Matthews believes that the surrounding talent is so good that either player should be able to have success.
"From a skill standpoint, with the wide receivers and the running backs, I haven't seen this much skill in quite some time," Matthews added. "Both these kids are very accurate. They know where to go with the football and they're coached well."
READ MORE: Jon Sumrall spotlights a refreshing trait Florida’s new OC Buster Faulkner brings
You won't hear too many arguments about the talent in the Gators offense. Jadan Baugh is going to be one of the top running backs in the country. Florida top three receivers — Dallas Wilson, Eric Singleton and Vernell Brown III—have the potential to be as good as any trio in the SEC.
"If there's a weakness on this Florida offense, it's on the offensive line. [Faulkner] will have to work around protection issues. I think they'll piece it together," Matthews concluded.
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