Florida football: Florida college football power rankings

We are scant days away from Florida football’s season opener against Miami in Orlando. But, now is also a good time to check in on other college football teams in the state with our regular power rankings.

I know it is hard to believe, but there are six other Division I college football teams in the state of Florida, besides Florida football.

I also know we all primarily care about the Gators, but it would be good to look at other programs in the state from time to time.

After all, the Gators are likely competing with one or all of these programs for recruits and fans. That’s why I decided to come up with power rankings for Division I college football programs in the state:

No. 1 Florida Gators

Outlook: It’s pretty much a no-brainer that the Gators are on top to begin the season. No significant rebuild and not coming off a junk season. In fact, Florida football is coming off a thrashing of Michigan in the Peach Bowl and a 10-3 season. The Gators did lose a bit in the transfer portal, but most teams did too (looking at you Georgia, Florida State, etc.).

Feleipe Franks and Lamical Perine lead a strong offense, that might be a little shy on line experience, while the defense just reloaded after a strong season last year.

Last week: Off.

Next time out: 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24 vs. Miami in Orlando.

No. 2 Miami Hurricanes

Outlook: Last season was, well, not very good by Miami standards. The Hurricanes finished 7-6 and head coach Mark Richt decided enough was enough. Now, Miami retools with a new coach in former defensive coordinator Manny Diaz and a new quarterback in redshirt freshman Jarren Williams. The defense should be solid this season, but the offense is untested … until Saturday.

Last week: Off.

Next time out: 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24 vs. No. 8 Florida in Orlando.

No. 3 Central Florida Golden Knights

Outlook: Part of me wanted to go with Florida State out of spite, but then again, Central Florida has earned some credibility with their past two seasons. That said, McKenzie Shelton is likely out until 2020 so Central Florida got Notre Dame graduate transfer, Brandon Winbush, to take over under center, which could be interesting. The defense was nothing short of bad last season, forcing its offense to put up a ton of points. Not sure this season’s offense will be able to keep that pace if the defense (ranked in the bottom third in total defense last season) continues to let opponents score.

Florida Gators Football

Last week: Off

Next time out: The Golden Knights have their season opener Aug. 29 against Florida A&M

No. 4 Florida State Seminoles

Outlook: If there is a coach on the hot seat in the state, Willie Taggart at Florida State is likely it. No bowl game after 36 consecutive and a 5-7 record last season effectively lit a match, despite it being his first season at the helm. And, this season doesn’t look to be a whole lot better. Big question marks all over the field for Taggart and the ‘Noles. If they aren’t answered in a hurry — meaning competing for the ACC title this year — FSU could be looking for another head coach.

Last week: Off

Next time out: The Seminoles open the 2019 season Aug. 31 when they play Boise State in Jacksonville.

No. 5 Florida International Panthers

Outlook: Well, the Panthers did bring back its strong running game from a 9-4 season last season. This could be a team that legitimately competes for the Conference USA title, so long as they can hold off Tulane on the road — which won’t be an easy task. It could be a breakout season for FIU, then again, it could also be disastrous if they fail to take care of business against Charlotte, Old Dominion or UTEP.

Last week: Off

Next time out: The Panthers travel to face Tulane in the season opener Aug. 29

No. 6 South Florida Bulls

Outlook: Here is a team that could surprise some this year. The Bulls tanked their season last year, losing their last six — including an 18-point loss to Marshall in the “Who-cares” Bowl. But, they have their quarterback returning in Alabama and Arizona State want-away Blake Barnett. But, if they want to compete with the likes of Central Florida, Memphis and Cincinnati, they need more production on offense, including more consistency from Barnett, and a much tougher defense.

Last week: Off

Next time out: The Bulls open the season Aug. 30 against Wisconsin.

No. 7 Florida Atlantic Owls

Outlook: Part of me really wants the Owls to be successful, if for no other reason than for Lane Kiffin to finally find a home. Last season was a trainwreck as the Owls went just 3-5 in Conference USA. It was a far cry from 2017 when FAU went undefeated in the conference. The Owls have options at quarterback with returner Chris Robison competing with Justin Agner and Nick Tronti for the starting role. Like FIU, the Owls will have to take care of business against teams like UTSA and find a way to knock off teams like the Panthers and Marshall.

Last week: Off

Next time out: The Owls travel to Columbus to take on No. 5 Ohio State Aug. 31.

What do you think of these rankings? Agree or disagree? Let us know in the comments below or on Twitter @hailfloridahail.