The Florida Gators are going to start the 2026 season ranked No. 12 by Perfect Game. On paper, this puts Florida in a position to make a run at the College World Series and could wash away the taste of the 2025 season.
But the history of Florida’s preseason ranking by Perfect Game also serves as a reminder that just because the Gators have a solid preseason ranking, that nothing is guaranteed.
Florida starts 2026 ranked No. 12
The No. 12 ranking seems decent, but it is actually the lowest the Gators have started a season in the Perfect Game preseason rankings since 2020, when they were ranked No. 13. Florida was ranked No. 11 in the preseason last year before a disastrous start led them to being unranked.
The Gators rebounded and finished SEC play 15-15, but were bounced from the NCAA Tournament after two losses to ECU.
So, part of Florida returning to the preseason rankings despite finishing last year unranked is based on the logo, but there is some merit to believe that Florida could make their preseason ranking justified.
2026 Preseason College Baseball Top 25 📈https://t.co/M8pJBw6Qmx pic.twitter.com/k4EuJx1NQU
— Perfect Game USA (@PerfectGameUSA) January 8, 2026
The Gators' rotation will be anchored by the 1-2 punch of Liam Peterson and Aidan King. Peterson could be a 1st round pick with a strong season, while King has quickly emerged on draft radars for the 2027 season. If Florida can find just one more reliable weekend starter, the Gators could wind up with the strongest rotation in the country.
The wildcard for the Gators will be second baseman Cade Kurland, who was having a bounce-back season in 2025 before having to undergo shoulder surgery. Likewise, Kyle Jones was expected to play a big role last year as Florida’s leadoff hitter, but he suffered a season-ending injury during the first week of play.
The Gators will open their season on February 13 against UAB and open SEC play on March 13 against South Carolina.