Expectations for Florida football in 2025 continue to take shape, and ESPN has weighed in with its preseason SEC power rankings, placing the Gators at No. 9 in the 16-team league.
The ranking comes as Florida prepares for what is widely known as the toughest schedule in college football this season.
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Billy Napier’s squad will open with a manageable non-conference stretch before diving into a brutal run of SEC matchups that includes road trips to LSU and Texas A&M, along with home showdowns against Texas, Tennessee and, of course, the annual rivalry in Jacksonville against the Georgia Bulldogs.
The Orange and Blue’s placement in the lower half of the rankings reflects both the strength of the SEC and questions about how quickly a roster with promising young talent can mesh.
One reason for optimism is quarterback DJ Lagway. His combination of arm talent and athleticism could play a pivotal role in determining whether Florida exceeds its preseason projection.
Napier and his staff believe the roster is built to compete in the country’s toughest conference. If Lagway can progress and lead the offense quickly and the defense takes a step forward, Florida has the potential to rise well above its No. 9 ranking.
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The Gators open their 2025 campaign on Saturday, Aug. 30, in the Swamp against Long Island University.
Here is everything ESPN wrote about Florida.
What ESPN said about the Gators
“The two lingering questions with the Gators, who came back from the dead a year ago, are whether or not ultra-talented quarterback DJ Lagway can stay healthy for the season and how they navigate a killer schedule again. Florida plays six teams ranked nationally in the preseason polls.”
ESPN’s SEC power rankings
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Mississippi State Bulldogs
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida football No. 9 in SEC preseason power rankings by ESPN
