After a coaching overhaul and strategic coordinator hires, the Florida Gators eye a dramatic turnaround. Analysts predict a manageable SEC schedule could propel Florida into the postseason conversation.
Going from a 4-8 record in 2025 to becoming a College Football Playoff team this fall would be one of the more dramatic turnarounds in the sport's history for the Florida Gators, though probably a little less dramatic than what Curt Cignetti did with Indiana in 2024.
The Hoosiers 3-9 overall and 1-8 in Big Ten play in 2023. In 2024, Cignetti went 11-2 and 8-1 in Big Ten play, making the CFP but losing to Notre Dame in the first round. In 2025, IU won the national title.
Can UF complete a similar comeback under first-year head coach Jon Sumrall? Some people believe so. Tom Fornelli of CBS Sports thinks there's an outside shot the Gators make the CFP this year.
"How high am I on the Florida Gators?" he wrote. "Well, current win totals have the Gators pegged at 7.5 right now, but when I look at this team, I don't just see a squad that can get to 8-4. I see a team that could reach the College Football Playoff.
"This is a talented team that made what I consider a massive upgrade to its coaching staff over the offseason."
Fornelli likes the hiring of offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner, who ran an impressive offense during his time at Georgia Tech. He also thinks the schedule is relatively easy for the Gators.
"Finally, all things considered, Florida's schedule isn't as bad as it could be," Fornelli wrote. "Frankly, when considering most SEC schedules, I'd argue it's one of the more manageable slates in the league.
"I fully expect the Gators to get off to a great start in the Sumrall era and be in the playoff conversation by November."
Florida should get off to a fast start with wins against FAU and Campbell in the first two weekends of September. Then things immediately get dicey for the Gators with a road game against Auburn and a home game against Ole Miss.
Florida has a three-game stretch against Texas, Georgia and Oklahoma. Those games won't be easy for a squad that has serious questions at quarterback and must replace three starting offensive linemen.
