The 2026 schedule for the Florida Gators is shaping up to be an exciting lineup, featuring matchups against teams that have not been seen on the field in quite some time. One of the most notable opponents is Auburn, which the Gators haven't faced since 2019, when they secured a 24-13 victory. Before that game, the two teams last clashed in 2011, with previous meetings in 2006 and 2007. Historically, Florida and Auburn faced each other annually from 1945 to 1999, making their infrequent recent matchups a point of interest for fans eager for more competitive action.
Another exciting potential matchup is between the Gators and the Crimson Tide. The last time these teams met was in 2021, resulting in Florida's eighth consecutive loss to Alabama, who was ranked No. 1 at the time. Despite falling behind 21-3 in the first quarter, the Gators fought back, coming within striking distance with a late two-point conversion attempt. Fans are hopeful for a rematch in the 2026 season, which could reignite this storied rivalry.
The Gators faced the Razorbacks most recently in 2023, where Arkansas managed to secure an upset victory in overtime, thereby snapping a six-game losing streak. Historically, Florida holds a strong 10-3 record against Arkansas, but with the Razorbacks winning two of the last three encounters, the 2026 matchup is likely to be highly anticipated as both teams continue their rivalry.
It is almost certain that Florida and Georgia will continue their tradition as permanent annual opponents. The 2026 edition of this intense rivalry is set to take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, due to significant upgrades at Jacksonville's EverBank Field. Notably, the 2027 matchup will also be held in Tampa. The rivalry has been ongoing since 1944, with Georgia currently holding a 56-44-2 edge in the series, including a four-game win streak. This enduring competition is a highlight of the Gators' schedule that fans look forward to each year.
Since Missouri joined the SEC in 2012, the Gators have faced the Tigers every season until 2023, when they entered a two-year hiatus. Fans can expect the 2026 season to see the Gators traveling to Missouri, seeking to avenge a narrow 33-31 defeat in their last meeting. With both teams holding a balanced 6-6 record in their series since Missouri’s SEC entry, this game will be crucial for establishing dominance.
There have been discussions about making Florida and Oklahoma a permanent fixture in the Gators' schedule. Although the teams have never met during the regular season, their history includes notable postseason encounters, such as Florida's national championship victory in 2008 and a loss in the 2019 Cotton Bowl. With the expectation of a regular-season matchup in 2026 after Florida's two back-to-back games against Texas, fans are eager to see this rivalry develop.
Some believe that South Carolina could serve as a permanent opponent for Florida, given their long history, dating back over a century to their first meeting in 1911, which ended in a tie. The two teams have faced off 43 times since then, with Florida holding a 31-10-3 all-time record. The geographic proximity of approximately 360 miles between Gainesville and Columbia, combined with both schools' competitiveness for recruits, makes this matchup sensible. The historical connection through legendary coach Steve Spurrier further enhances its significance.
The Florida-Tennessee rivalry is well-established, dating back to the 1992 season when the teams were placed in the Eastern Division. This contest has become a highly anticipated annual event, frequently scheduled for the third Saturday in September. Given the historical context as founding members of the SEC in 1932, both teams will continue to vie for supremacy in what fans hope will be a permanent annual matchup.
Lastly, the Gators are expected to face Vanderbilt in 2026, marking a return to competition after the two teams did not meet during the previous two seasons. Prior to this hiatus, Florida and Vanderbilt had a longstanding tradition of meeting every season since 1992. Fans are eager for this historic rivalry to resume in the upcoming schedule.
In conclusion, the 2026 Florida Gators schedule promises a mix of traditional rivalries and exciting new matchups. Fans can look forward to rekindling old rivalries and witnessing the evolution of new ones as the season unfolds.
