Florida LB Myles Graham confirms return for 2026, speaks on new Gator coaches
By Andrew Olson
Published:
The Florida defense is getting a key piece back for 2026. Linebacker Myles Graham confirmed his decision to return for his junior season via UF collective Florida Victorious on Tuesday.
As a Florida legacy, it’s no surprise that Graham will be back in orange and blue. He wears No. 5, the same number his father, Gator great Earnest Graham, wore playing running back for Steve Spurrier. Beyond the family legacy, Graham is also excited about the new staff in Gainesville.
Graham told Florida Victorious about hearing from new head coach Jon Sumrall after his hiring.
“We loved him, man. He was intense. He told us straight up that he wasn’t going to back down,” Graham told the collective. “He was ready for the challenge and we loved him. I feel like a lot of guys bought into that.”
Since that first meeting, Sumrall has also added his coordinators. Former Kentucky defensive coordinator Brad White will be the new Florida DC, and Graham strongly approves.
“He preached to me that he needs me here and, you know, the defense is going to run through me,” Graham told Florida Victorious. “So he has a great appreciation for the linebacker position and him playing it. We can relate in that way and we can build our relationship in that way.”
Running the defense through Graham is a smart decision by White. Graham started every game for the Gators in 2025, recording 76 total tackles (7 TFLs), 2 sacks, 7 QB hurries and 4 pass breakups.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
