CBS Sports examined every Power Four coach’s career record against teams ranked in the AP Top 25, and at 2-7, Jon Sumrall sits near the bottom of the SEC. Only 10 Power Four coaches have winning percentages of .500 or better against ranked opponents, making big-game results a prerequisite for Sumrall to enter the conversation with college football’s most elite.
Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer leads the SEC at 20-6 (.769), followed by Georgia’s Kirby Smart at 42-17 (.711). Since 2016, Smart has posted 42 wins versus ranked teams, the most nationally over that span. Sumrall ranks No. 14 on the list of 16 SEC coaches by winning percentage in this category. Only Mississippi State’s Jeff Lebby (.083) is lower among coaches with previous ranked opportunities; Kentucky’s Will Stein has no applicable record.
The outlet used each opponent’s ranking at the time the game was played and includes every stop for the Gators‘ leading voice. Sumrall has been relatively dominant against non-ranked and Group of Five competition, registering a 27-2 record. Despite going 2-7 against top teams, the raw numbers require context, as resources, conference strength, and stability affect wins and losses.
While at Troy, he lost to No. 21 Ole Miss in 2022 and No. 15 Kansas State in 2023, but beat No. 18 UTSA in the 2022 Cure Bowl. At Tulane, the head coach managed to upend No. 22 Memphis in 2025.
The former Sunbelt Coach of the Year will have plenty of chances to improve that record in 2026, as the SEC provides an especially difficult environment. Florida may end up facing five or more ranked teams next season.
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida’s Jon Sumrall looking to end his big-game woes this season
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