Instant reactions from Florida's home win over Campbell in Week 2

Florida football notched its second blowout victory of the season on Saturday evening, throttling the Campbell Fighting Camels, 52-3, inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

While the visitors struck first blood in this one, the FCS school never really had a chance against the Gators. Jon Sumrall’s squad went on to score 52 unanswered points en route to a 2-0 start for the first time since 2021.

Aaron Philo finished by mirroring his efforts from last week with a 16-for-21 performance through the air — good for 242 yards and a pair of touchdowns — while Jadan Baugh rushed 14 times for 134 yards and a pair of scores. Vernell Brown III was spectacular, logging 219 yards and a pair of scores on four returns, and added three catches for 43 yards and a TD as well.

On defense, Florida held Campbell to 210 total yards and forced a turnover on a goal-line stand late in the fourth quarter. Holding the Fighting Camels to just 62 yards (2.5 yards per carry) is also something worth hanging their hat on.

Take a look below at the Gators Wire staff’s instant reactions to Florida’s second win of the 2026 campaign.

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GOOD: It was a strong game all around from the offense, defense and special teams — save for the opening drive (more on that below) — headlined by VB3’s career day. Philo looked poised in the pocket, and while he is still figuring out his downfield game, he has fully assumed the field general role for the Gators; Baugh also still found ways to get his yards.

Meanwhile, the defense appears to be coalescing. Of course, the caveat is that their performance came against an FCS foe, but we can be a little more confident in this corps heading into the SEC schedule.

BAD: The opening possession by Campbell was a bit of a gut punch and Florida was fairly fortunate that it was able to hold the Camels to just a field goal. It only took seven plays and 2:12 to march 63 yards downfield to the Gators’ 12-yard line; for a moment there, it looked like the defense had not learned its lessons from last week.

However, the squad regrouped after that and went on to shut down the opposition the rest of the way. So at the end of the day, no real harm was done.

UGLY: The botched punt catch by Justin Williams with just over six minutes left in the third quarter was a big boner, but fortunately, Campbell missed the 37-yard field goal attempt that came at the end of that possession. Then came a pick thrown by Tramell Jones on a pass that was impeded by the defender swatting his arm as he threw the ball, but the Fighting Camels failed to score again, this time at the Gators’ goal line.

Two turnovers, no points. Crisis averted.

GOOD: Yeah, Vernell Brown III is a dude. Do we really need to say more? Dallas Wilson scoring and going over 100 yards is nice too. It felt intentional to have him leading the receiver room this week. Philo’s going to have to lean on him at some point in SEC play. Baugh is Baugh. Let the man rumble.

BAD: I get that there is room for trick plays in football — and I’m not necessarily mad to see them in action against FCS teams — but the fake punt feels like a poor choice. Florida was well ahead by that point, and there’s the question of sportsmanship in a moment like that. Not to mention, Alec Clark has punted the ball once through two games.

Let’s get the guy some more reps in before SEC play instead of trying to run 15 yards for a highlight. The double-QB play is more acceptable, especially if it’s a shell play that Faulkner wants to have in-game film on to evaluate. The problem is Auburn and the SEC also have that film. Was it worth some tape and a four-yard gain? Probably not.

UGLY: For a team that has looked really good for six quarters, the effort in the second half was not ideal. Penalties ruined the scoring pace and several drives; the Williams fumble is a mental mistake (running before catching) and the defensive effort waned until the final play of that last drive.

Florida is going to have to play all 60 minutes next week to start 1-0 in SEC play. Sumrall has preached “be where your shoes are,” but that didn’t seem to stick throughout the whole game this week. Hopefully, it does next week.

GOOD: The offense continues to look electric under Jon Sumrall and Buster Faulkner, putting up nearly 60 points once again. All offseason, we knew the Gators’ skill position players were phenomenal, but Saturday’s game was another showcase of the talent that is in Gainesville.

Vernell Brown III was spectacular, especially as a punt returner logging 173 return yards. Brown III displayed his speed and athleticism as he builds his case for the Jet Award. Dallas Wilson looked like the Wilson we saw in the upset against Texas last season, recording 104 receiving yards on five receptions and making an appearance in the end zone. Baugh continues to pound the rock as the workhorse but does so very efficiently, averaging 9.7 yards per carry.

BAD: Tramell Jones Jr. entered the game in garbage time to prevent Aaron Philo from getting injured and proceeded to throw an interception, which almost allowed the Camels to score. Lucky for the Gators, Campbell was unable to get anything going outside of their opening drive.

UGLY: The first drive for Campbell could have been a tone setter if they continued that level of play. The Camels started their first drive with a 24-yard pass, followed by a seven-yard rush, then another 33-yard pass that was completed; however, the Gators never wavered and held them to a field goal.

Again, that drive could have resulted in much worse, but it was ultimately a minor event in the blowout win.

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