Where CBS Sports ranks Florida football's strength of schedule among other SEC teams
According to CBS Sports' Brandon Marcello, the Gators have been handed the fifth-toughest strength of schedule in the SEC. It's a slate that could once again test Billy Napier's program early and often.
Florida faces back-to-back road games in September at LSU and Miami, a stretch that could determine the team's trajectory before October.
The Gators get a midseason bye before welcoming the Texas Longhorns, a projected playoff contender. Road trips to Texas A&M and Ole Miss loom in the second half of the year, with the Orange and Blue closing the regular season in Gainesville against Tennessee and Florida State.
Last season, Florida's schedule was regarded as the toughest in the country. Napier now faces the challenge of navigating another stacked SEC slate while trying to keep the Gators in contention, but he and the team remain optimistic and think they have a shot for the playoffs.
"We absolutely have aspirations to be a playoff team," Napier said during Tuesday's press conference. "That's the intention of coming here is to win championships."
Here is everything Marcello wrote about the Gators and how they have the fifth-toughest strength of schedule in the SEC.
What CBS Sports said about Florida
"Florida may have played the toughest schedule in the country in 2024, and though it eases up a bit thanks to the slide of Florida State , it's still no cake walk. Back-to-back September road trips to LSU and Miami may define the season. Billy Napier needs to get Florida back to that nine- or 10-win mark, even against this schedule, to remain relevant.
"No doubt he'll show whether he can do that by midseason. The three-game stretch with LSU, Miami and Texas (after a bye week) will likely determine whether Napier is still the coach in 2026. Trips to Texas A&M and Ole Miss are also on the docket before closing the season at home against Tennessee and Florida State."
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