Vernell Brown III scored his first college touchdown on a 49-yard reception during the Florida Gators’ first offensive drive in a 66-21 victory over Florida Atlantic on Sept. 5 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida. The touchdown was Florida’s first of the 2026 season and came on Brown’s seventh snap of the year.
Quarterback Aaron Philo found Brown on a screen pass near midfield. After a key block from wide receiver Eric Singleton Jr., Brown raced to the end zone for the first touchdown of his college career.
Brown finished with six catches for 117 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed once for 14 yards and served as a deep punt returner without recording a return.
Brown ends wait for first Florida touchdown
Brown led the Florida Gators in receiving last season with 40 catches for 512 yards. He played 428 snaps without scoring a touchdown, but needed only seven snaps to reach the end zone in the 2026 opener.
“I was kidding around with him all offseason,” Gators head coach Jon Sumrall said. “I’m like, ‘You know you still haven’t scored here. Everybody thinks you’re this big-time player. We gotta see you score touchdowns.'”
Philo said the defensive nickel player’s movement created the opportunity for the screen. “It was awesome,” Philo said. “The nickel fired. I knew I had a chance to spit it out there to VB. That’s what I talk about all the time. You get the ball to those guys in space and let them go make the plays.”
Sumrall also praised Brown’s preparation and competitiveness after the performance. “But to see him make the plays he made tonight, he had a couple big plays,” Sumrall said. “Unbelievable worker. So, not surprised, but he competes his tail off and prepares the right way.”
A family milestone for Vernell Brown III
Brown’s first touchdown at Florida continued his family’s connection to the program. His father, Vernell Brown Jr., played for the Gators from 2001-2005, and his grandfather played for the Gators from 1982-1985.
Sumrall said Brown’s impact extends beyond his production on the field. “Happy for his success because he is one of the best leaders for a young player I’ve ever been around,” Sumrall said. “I mean, he’s a second-year player, true sophomore, and he’s a phenomenal leader and a great teammate.”
Source: Original report