ESPN’s Analytics Has One SEC Program as Long Shot to Make College Football Playoff originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Florida Gators are 19-19 in three seasons under head coach Billy Napier, who just went 8-5 in 2024.
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Now, the Gators have something else in their sights. Since its introduction to college football in 2014, Florida has never made the College Football Playoff. The format changed to allow 12 teams last season.
ESPN’s Analytics predicted each team’s chances of making the CFP and gave Florida the lowest odds in the SEC, at 14.5%.
While Florida appears to be taking a step in the right direction under Napier, it has been a challenging ride recently. The Gators’ last 11-win season was in 2019 under former head coach Dan Mullen.
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Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier waves to fans.Matt Pendleton / USA TODAY NETWORK
Florida’s path to the CFP is not an easy one either. The Gators have the most challenging schedule in college football again, much like last season.
The program opens with Long Island and USF in its first two games before facing the LSU Tigers in Death Valley for its conference opener. Florida is then back on the road again, taking on in-state rival the Miami Hurricanes.
Other crucial games for the Gators will be against the Texas Longhorns and the Georgia Bulldogs.
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Another potential problem could be the health of starting quarterback DJ Lagway. Lagway began training camp in a boot after a minor calf injury. He was eventually seen without the boot a few days later.
If Lagway’s injury problems persist during the season, it could be a long year for Florida. ESPN’s Matt Barrie issued a warning about Lagway’s health on a recent episode of “Always College Football.”
In recruiting, Florida has impressed with four-star edge rusher Mekai Brown, who hopes to return to Gainesville for a visit soon.
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Florida’s season opener with Long Island is set for August 30.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
