Just days after hiring Jon Sumrall as their new head coach, the Florida Gators made a surprising move on the defensive side of the ball, bringing in Kentucky’s Brad White as defensive coordinator. White has a strong reputation, having guided Kentucky to four top-25 defenses during his tenure. His schemes are known for their aggressive style and disciplined approach.
However, 2025 was a challenging season for the Wildcats. Kentucky’s defense allowed 27.9 points per game, ranking 79th nationally, and gave up 384.5 yards per game, which placed them 70th. Red zone defense was also a concern, with opponents scoring 87.8% of the time, ranking 107th in the country. These numbers raise questions about the Gators’ vision for the hire and how White will adapt his system to Florida’s roster.
White’s arrival signals that Florida is looking to bring experience and a defensive mindset that has succeeded in the SEC before, even if this past season did not meet expectations. With Sumrall at the helm offensively, the Gators now face a critical offseason where blending his philosophy with White’s defensive approach will be key.
Florida fans will be watching closely to see if this pairing can produce a disciplined, competitive defense capable of returning the program to national relevance.
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