Curan Ahern

Football Reporter

Curan is a junior sports journalism student in his fourth semester at The Alligator. He is currently the sports desk's football and enterprise beat writer, and previously served as a reporter for men's tennis, sports enterprise and football. He is currently pursuing a public relations minor and is an avid Duval sports fan. (#DTWD)

Florida Gators defensive back Dijon Johnson (27) makes a tackle during the first half at TIAA Bank Field on Saturday, November 02, 2024.

Ryan Friedenberg

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

‘I want to be the best’: UF DB Dijon Johnson prepared to lead defense in 2026

By Curan Ahern | Mar. 10

Less than six months ago, Gators fans across the country grimaced as third-year defensive back Dijon Johnson went down with an injury to his right knee in the second half of UF’s 26-7 loss to Miami on Sept. 20. Johnson underwent surgery to repair his meniscus just two days later, a procedure that sidelined him for the remainder of his redshirt sophomore campaign.

Florida Gators defensive back Lagonza Hayward (2) celebrates a stop in a NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Gainesville, Fla.

Noah Lantor

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Understanding the scheme: Florida football’s defensive standouts from the first days of spring practice

By Curan Ahern | Mar. 5

When Brad White was hired as the newest defensive coordinator of Florida football, he was challenged with bringing a new defensive scheme to a Gators unit that finished 13th in the SEC in total defense in 2025.

Florida edge rusher Jayden Woods (15) runs with the ball after an interception during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in Oxford, Miss.

Noah Lantor

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

An educated decision: Behind UF EDGE Jayden Woods’ choice to return to Florida

By Curan Ahern | Mar. 3

Though Texas was a school that targeted him in the portal, a visit from Jon Sumrall and Florida coaches to Woods’ family in Kansas on Jan. 6 made all the difference in showing how genuine UF’s investment in him truly was.

Florida Gators running back Jadan Baugh (13) runs with the ball during a NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, in College Station, Texas.

Noah Lantor

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Selling himself: How UF running backs coach Chris Foster helped retain Jadan Baugh

By Curan Ahern | Feb. 25

Following a 4-8 season for the Gators – one in which they saw their head coach fired and their lead back rush for over 1,000 yards for the first time since 2015 – a revamped coaching staff is prepared to turn a new leaf in Gainesville.

Florida edge rusher George Gumbs Jr. (34) holds Georgia offensive lineman Monroe Freeling during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. Both Gumbs and Freeling are attending the 2026 NFL Draft Combine.

Noah Lantor

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Previewing how Gators will fare at the 2026 NFL Draft Combine

By Max Bernstein and Curan Ahern | Feb. 23

Every player needs consistency, versatility and resilience to make a name for themselves in the NFL. Yet, with thousands of college athletes vying for professional careers, that opportunity remains out of reach for most, especially when the NFL Scouting Combine invites just 300 to 335 of the top athletes each year.

University of Florida tight end Amir Jackson (7) reacts to missing a pass in the endzone during the Gators game against the Bulldogs at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla., Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.

Sydney Johnson

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

A deeper dive into Florida’s new-look tight ends group

By Curan Ahern | Feb. 17

Since Kyle Pitts’ time as a Gator, when he became Florida’s all-time leader among tight ends in receiving yards (1,492), receptions (100), and touchdowns (18), the tight end position has been an overlooked — and often underutilized — part of UF’s offense.

Bryce Thornton (18) celebrates a pass breakup during the first quarter against the Lousiana State Tigers at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.

Matthew Lewis

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

How Chris Collins versatile secondary will complement Brad White’s scheme at Florida

By Curan Ahern | Feb. 11

Though Florida football nearly cleaned the house ahead of its 2026 campaign, both key returners and new pieces are set to contribute to a versatile defense led by defensive coordinator Brad White and safeties coach Chris Collins.

Florida head coach Jon Sumrall holds a press conference in the media room of the Stephen C. O'Connell Center during halftime of an NCAA men's basketball game between Florida and Auburn, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026.

Noah Lantor

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Florida football’s top incoming recruits in 2026

By Curan Ahern | Feb. 9

Under newly hired head coach Jon Sumrall, UF currently has 20 incoming recruits in the class of 2026 to complement a productive transfer portal cycle.

Noah Lantor

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

The Gauntlet: How Rusty Whitt plans to toughen up Florida football

By Curan Ahern | Feb. 6

“Weak things break.” This is the mentality Rusty Whitt brings to Florida as its newly hired director of football performance.

Florida Gators inside linebacker Myles Graham (5) speaks after Billy Gonzales at the interim coach’s opening press conference on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, in Gainesville, Fla.

Noah Lantor

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Florida football’s top five defensive additions

By Curan Ahern | Feb. 4

A common theme presented itself throughout Florida football’s 2025-26 season: The Gators defense could hold its own against top offenses, but UF lacked the offensive firepower needed to win games in the SEC.