Power ranking the SEC in 2025 preseason: #6 - Florida
There's been a lot of love for the Gators in the preseason, which I understand on one level. DJ Lagway's play opened a lot of eyes around the country last year, showing why he was rated so highly in that previous recruiting class. With a year of college football under his belt, there are so many that are excited to see what he can do.
Unluckily for the Gators, a pall of injury concern has been cast over Lagway for this next year, which is highly concerning given their again-daunting schedule. The Gators will once more face a dizzying number of ranked teams, including trips to LSU, Miami, and Texas A&M early on in the year.
Ole Miss will be out for revenge against the Gators, as well, given that Napier and company put the final nail in the coffin for Kiffin's playoff hopes. All eyes will no doubt be on the Swamp for the early October showdown with the Texas Longhorns, too.
My biggest concern with the Gators is the exodus we saw among defensive line talent last year. The portal was replete with Florida DL leaving Gainesville, and that doesn't exactly bode well for one of the most important groups on the team, even if LJ McCray is set to be a star.
Like Freeze at Auburn, this is a pivotal year for Napier. It's a hellish schedule, but if he can't get things going, he could be out of a job by the time the season comes to a close.