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February 4, 2026 By  College Football

‘Bring Back Tim Tebow’: Florida Coach Sumrall Jokes About Filing Restraining Order for Tim Tebow Return

One of the more memorable comments of National Signing Day came from Jon Sumrall, the first-year head coach of the Florida Gators. Sumrall made a joke about seeking a temporary restraining order to reinstate Tim Tebow as a player for the Gators following a decision by a Knox County judge allowing Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar a chance to play a sixth year of college football.

The joke came during a news conference where Sumrall discussed the changing world of college sports. The news conference came just a few hours after a judge granted a temporary restraining order against NCAA eligibility rules to Aguilar.

“We’re going to file a temporary restraining order to bring back Tim Tebow,” Sumrall said. “I don’t know what the hell is going on with all of that.” Tebow finished his eligibility in 2009 and has gone on to play in the NFL.

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New Gator head football coach Jon Sumrall fires up the crowd during the first half an NCAA basketball game at Steven C. O’Connell Center Exactek arena in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, January 24, 2026. Auburn won 76-67 [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]

Legal Battles Reshape College Football Eligibility Standards Nationwide

Aguilar’s case is part of a pattern of athletes who are fighting the NCAA’s eligibility guidelines in state courts. The Tennessee quarterback is fighting to have his two years at a junior college not affect his Division I eligibility. The judge granted Aguilar a 15-day temporary restraining order on Wednesday, with a preliminary injunction hearing set for this Friday.

The 24-year-old redshirted at City College of San Francisco in 2019 before the 2020 season was canceled. He then played two years at Diablo Valley College before transferring to Appalachian State. Aguilar then transferred to Tennessee in 2025, where he threw for 3,565 yards and 24 touchdowns, leading the Vols to an 8-5 record.

Sumrall has his own quarterback problems after DJ Lagway joined Baylor in January. Lagway signed with the Bears after entering the transfer portal on Dec 15. He is now left with a young quarterback room that includes Tramell Jones, Aaron Philo, and incoming freshman Will Griffin.

Sumrall also added 30 players from the transfer portal and 20 recruits from high school to his first Florida roster. The Gators finished 4-8 last season under former coach Billy Napier. It marked the fourth time in five years that the Gators have finished with a losing record.

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About Olamilekan Ajayi

Olamilekan Ajayi is a dedicated sports writer covering both college and professional football. Over the past few years, he has built a reputation for delivering clear, engaging, and timely stories that capture the drama and detail of the game.

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