ESPN released its annual college football future power rankings Wednesday, examining each Power 4 team's (plus Notre Dame) two-year future forecast. The criteria for the rankings are, returning quarterback, likelihood of a multiyear QB on roster, offensive line/defensive line outlook, roster management, star power (national award contenders, All-American contenders and all-conference contenders) and coaching staff.
The platform used to do a three-year forecast, but with the growing prevalence of the transfer portal, ESPN trimmed the timeline to two years: 2025 and 2026.
How bright is Florida football's future?
ESPN's Adam Rittenberg placed the Gators 15th in his two-year projections, a strong indication of the young talent Billy Napier has accumulated. Florida was the seventh-highest rated SEC team.
Unsurprisingly, standout rising sophomore quarterback DJ Lagway is frequently mentioned in the explanation for the Gators' ranking. Lagway showed flashes of greatness as a true freshman, and his mixture of arm talent and athleticism will make professional scouts' mouths water once he's eligible to go to the next level. Luckily for Florida, Lagway is locked in for two more collegiate seasons -- that is unless he enters the transfer portal. His talent is enough to raise the Gators' ceiling to CFP contention, but he'll need to show more consistency and remain healthy.
That's not to say there isn't plenty of reason for excitement outside of Lagway. Rittenberg highlighted Lagway's backfield mate rising sophomore tailback Jaden Baugh who's slated to form a one-two punch with junior Ja'Kobi Jackson.
Lagway and Bough figure to be assisted by the Gators' impressive offensive line, featuring All-American Jake Slaughter along with three other returners. The 2024 Florida offensive line allowed just 20 sacks and opened up enough holes for the team to average 4.55 yards per rush.
The defensive front might be even more impressive than their offensive counterparts. Tyreak Sapp and Caleb Banks figure to anchor the unit and could hear their name called on Day 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft. They're joined by edge rushers George Gumbs and Kamran James. The Gators defense held opponents to 3.79 yards per carry and notched 39 sacks over 13 games.
Some weak points of the roster for the next two seasons are star power at skill positions and coaching. Florida will lean heavily on transfer J. Michael Sturdivant and Eugene Wilson to provide some sort of consistent production at wide receiver after losing Chimere Dike and Elijah Badger this offseason.
Safety Bryce Thornton has had some good moments, and something similar can be said for returning corners Dijon Johnson and Devin Moore. Still, it remains to be seen if any of them can take that step into all-league conversations.