ESPN can't decide what to make of the 2025 Florida Gators

ESPN rolled out its "2025 SEC college football projection," and, like many previews that rely on data, the Florida Gators have a complicated picture painted.

On one hand, ESPN likes the roster construction of the Gators. However, the data suggests that Florida is much further away from the playoffs than most are willing to accept.

Florida Gators will need breaks in 2025

ESPN placed the Gators in the "A couple of breaks away from a run" category within the SEC. Florida was given a 5.7% chance of winning the SEC and was projected to win 3.9 games within the SEC and seven wins overall.

ESPN noted that last year, the Gators had to rotate in a ton of players due to injuries and other factors, and were ranked 3rd to last in the country in "lineup stability" in 2024.

While that may have hurt Florida in 2024, the benefit is that a ton of guys were able to get snaps who are now back in 2025.

Now, the actual returning production for Florida isn't as high as one may think, and the Gators are still just 8th in the SEC in "Returning production," but there are some key units where Florida has notable experience returning.

The fact that Florida has four returners along the offensive line is massive for the Gators, and the overall depth on defense should also pay dividends as the season progresses.

But like most previews involving Florida, it's the schedule for the Gators that creates a pause.

ESPN ended its preview stating:

"I'm pretty high on this team, but the schedule still has seven projected top-15 teams. The Gators drew the short straw in the current SEC scheduling rotation, and it could cost them status as a CFP contender."

We know that Billy Napier would say "Spot the ball," but as we pointed out after the SEC poll was released, there is still a pathway for Florida to make the playoffs if the Gators are who they say they are.