The University of Florida announced that it will shell out $1.2 million to stage a home showdown with Florida Atlantic University on September 5, and $525,000 to journey to Campbell University a week later. The two payments, together worth $1.725 million, are part of a broader strategy to test the squad’s depth before the rigors of the SEC schedule.
Florida’s athletic department framed the agreements as a diagnostic exercise, echoing a 2021 start that saw the Gators open the season 2‑0 before the conference slate began. By front‑loading non‑conference fixtures, the coaching staff hopes to iron out kinks and evaluate talent in a low‑stakes environment.
Testing Depth Before SEC Play
Under head coach Zach Kittley, Florida Atlantic has built a reputation for a high‑octane passing attack, ranking first nationally in yards per game at 340.2 last season, yet the Owls slipped to 130th in defensive yards allowed, giving up 436.5 on average. The offensive firepower makes them an attractive opponent for a Florida team looking to fine‑tune its own schemes.
Campbell, guided by Braxton Harris, enters the matchup after a 2‑10 campaign in the previous year and competes in the Colonial Athletic Conference. The Camels’ recent struggles underscore the challenge the Gators face in translating preseason promise into on‑field execution.
The financial terms were brought to light through an open records request filed by The Gainesville Sun, highlighting the growing intersection of college athletics and transparency in scheduling costs.