Max Bernstein

Sports Journalist | Sports Editor & Florida Gators/Jacksonville Jaguars Football Reporter @alligatorSports | Co-Host/Analyst @TheVOCFB | As seen on @finebaum

[Max Bernstein @maxbernstein23]

With the 2026 NFL season reaching its halfway point, players across the league have made a major impact. And some of them hail from the land of the Orange and Blue.

I broke down the 10 most impactful Florida alums this season HERE: https://t.co/lnqZtmfg81

[Max Bernstein @maxbernstein23]

Was trending this way throughout the week. Aaron Philo will be QB1 in Lexington.

[Matt Zenitz @mzenitz]

Florida is currently expected to make a change at quarterback and to start Aaron Philo against No. 11 Kentucky Saturday, sources tell me, @zach_goodall and @GrahamHall.

Was benched last week in favor of Tramell Jones. Now expected to step back in as the starter for the Gators.

[Max Bernstein @maxbernstein23]

BREAKING: Florida's initial availability report is out for this weekend's game.

Vernell Brown III and Bryce Thornton are both OUT.

@alligatorSports

[Max Bernstein @maxbernstein23]

Our @alligatorSports football beat reporters, @avadicecca24, @CuranAhern, @rileyorovitz and I, are back to make picks for this week’s eight-game SEC slate.

OUR PICKS: https://t.co/R2oYJpILQh

[Max Bernstein @maxbernstein23]

Doing CFP rankings every week is absolute blasphemy.

Alabama over UCLA.
Texas over Miami.

Stop the madness.

[Max Bernstein @maxbernstein23]

WOW. Jacksonville continues to make major splashes, and this is arguably the biggest. Davis is one of the league's top nose tackles.

[Jordan Schultz @Schultz_Report]

BREAKING: The #Eagles are trading DT Jordan Davis to the #Jaguars for a a package that includes a first round pick, per sources.

A monster move by Jacksonville to acquire one of the NFL’s top young DTs.

[Max Bernstein @maxbernstein23]

Among qualified safeties, the Jaguars' new addition, Jessie Bates III, is No. 3 with an 85.1 PFF grade and No. 2 with an 89.3 PFF coverage grade.

A major, major addition.

[Max Bernstein @maxbernstein23]

For the first time in his coaching career, Jon Sumrall will take the sidelines against his alma mater, Kentucky. But he’s not focused on a homecoming. His sole mission is to get his Florida team back on track.

@avadicecca24 and I have MORE: https://t.co/LBwJx6lar1

[Max Bernstein @maxbernstein23]

Kofi Asare takes the stand.

He says every week in this conference is challenging, and Kentucky's front is a major challenge as well.

@alligatorSports

[Max Bernstein @maxbernstein23]

Jon Sumrall says he's for the 24-team playoff due to the nine-game SEC schedule and the mandatory P4 opponent.

@alligatorSports

[Max Bernstein @maxbernstein23]

Jon Sumrall:

"I don't know if anybody in America was more pissed off on Saturday night than me."

@alligatorSports

[Max Bernstein @maxbernstein23]

Jon Sumrall says the offense has yet to recover from losing Vernell Brown III, and that's the challenge they are tackling now.

He then looked down at the camera lens and said, "VB wants to play."

@alligatorSports

[Max Bernstein @maxbernstein23]

Jon Sumrall remains noncommittal about a starter this week, but he says Tramell Jones Jr. "did not play well enough on Saturday."

He says they will both be prepared, and he says if one gets the keys and performs well, he will "not be taken out."

@alligatorSports

[Max Bernstein @maxbernstein23]

Jon Sumrall says his concerns about this roster heading into the year remain, and those are the areas he's focusing on this offseason.

He mentioned the offensive line and secondary.

@alligatorSports

[Max Bernstein @maxbernstein23]

Jon Sumrall says he tried to retain Aaron Gates and Jordan Castell and commended both players for their performance so far this season.

"I would have loved to have kept both guys."

@alligatorSports

[Max Bernstein @maxbernstein23]

Jon Sumrall gives an update on Jeremiah McCloud, saying that he rejoined the team today and will be a full participant this week.

"He'll understand what that accountability component looks like."

@alligatorSports

[Max Bernstein @maxbernstein23]

Jon Sumrall on coaching against his alma mater:

"I don't have the time to do a lot of reflecting right now. But Kentucky has given me a lot. I wouldn't be where I am today without them ... I'm a Florida Gator, but I wouldn't be where I'm at without Kentucky."

@alligatorSports

[Max Bernstein @maxbernstein23]

Jon Sumrall opens up today's media availability:

"We have to be a lot better than what we were ... [Kentucky] is playing really good football. They are a really talented team."

@alligatorSports

[Max Bernstein @maxbernstein23]

I'm live, alongside @avadicecca24, at the Heavener Football Training Center for today's media availability headlined by Jon Sumrall.

Stay tuned to @alligatorSports for updates.