Florida Football: More and more pundits are saying don't sleep on the Gators in 2024

As the SEC prepares to welcome Oklahoma and Texas, the conference feels wide open heading into 2024. While traditional heavyweights like Georgia, Alabama, and LSU are predicted as favorites, and teams like Ole Miss are looking to have a breakthrough, the Florida Gators are starting to creep up the power rankings for some insiders.

According to Michael Bratton, the SEC guru better known as "SEC Mike," the Gators have the potential to be the "biggest surprise in the SEC" this upcoming season. Bratton's assessment is rooted in Florida's strategic maneuvering in the NCAA transfer portal.

""I think the way that teams spend in the portal, too, it kind of gives you an idea of two things: one, how big of a deficiency that is, and two, how much they are buying into what they can do.""

- SEC Mike

With the transfer portal commitments of Cormani McClain and Elijhah Badger, Florida ends the 2024 transfer portal cycle with the 5th ranked portal class according to 247 Sports.

Bratton's comments follow similar comments made in March by Josh Pate, Greg McElroy, and Jake Crain, who have all said to not give up on the Gators in 2024 just yet.

Despite being projected to win only 5.5 games by Action Network, Florida has a deeper and more experienced roster than they have had in years. The return of quarterback Graham Mertz, who finished last year with a 73% completion rate, 2,903 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and three interceptions, provides a solid foundation for potential success.

While the Gators' schedule is undeniably difficult, featuring a gauntlet of SEC powerhouses, their personnel suggests they possess the tools to defy the odds. Mertz's presence under center, coupled with new talent from the transfer portal, could create the perfect storm for Florida to emerge as the surprise of the SEC.