As the 2026 season gets closer and closer, national pundits are starting to really dive in and try to figure out who they trust and who they think will crash and burn. For the second straight year, pundits aren’t sure what to make of the Gators ahead of the season.
Because, for the second straight year, Florida is viewed as one of the wildcards of college football. As Gator fans learned last year, that’s not always a good thing.
Florida listed as one of college football’s wild cards for 2026
CBS Sports released its list of wild cards for the 2026 season, and the Gators are front and center. Coming off a 4-8 season that led to the arrival of Jon Sumrall, many aren’t sure what to expect.
Of the Gators, they said:
“The Gators are the definition of a wild-card team. This is a relatively talented roster with some obvious question marks. Offensively, no one is doubting running back Jadan Baugh or the overall skill at the wide receiver position, but how good is Aaron Philo? He attempted just 102 passes at Georgia Tech, and Florida needs to find answers at offensive tackle in order to keep Philo upright.
Defensively, it's a similar story. Linebacker Myles Graham and edge Jayden Woods provide Florida with firepower on that side of the ball, but are the Gators good enough along the defensive line and in the secondary to reach the playoff? The schedule, while not easy by any stretch, is a bit softer than it has been over the last couple of seasons.”
Playoffs? Playoffs?!?!
Once again, there is that word we heard a ton ahead of the 2025 season:
Playoffs.
If we rewind a year, the Gators were viewed as genuine dark-horse contenders to make the playoffs, with hopes and dreams that DJ Lagway would become a Heisman Trophy candidate.
Spoiler alert: that didn’t happen.
But last year was a reminder of what the true definition of being a wild card is. Yes, if things go right for Florida, it is not crazy to think this team could go 10-2. The playmakers Florida has can match up with the playmakers of practically anyone in the country. Combined with Buster Faulkner having more plays in his toolbag beyond jet sweeps and five-yard curls, the potential for one of the most explosive offenses in the country exists.
But, as CBS alludes to, the offensive line is a massive mystery, and for as much concern as has been cast upon Florida’s offensive line, the secondary for the Gators isn’t without questions.
Combine a schedule that is manageable but has very few freebees on it, 6-6 wouldn’t shock anyone either.
It’s July, and July is a time to dream. So, as Florida gets listed as a wild card, it’s okay to dream away.
Just keep in the back of one's mind what the floor of a wild card means.
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