Where Florida ranks on ESPN's Future Power Rankings
ESPN's Future Power Rankings used to look forward three years, assuming that most elite players remained at one school through their junior year. The transfer portal has changed the way college football programs view windows to win, and so the list is now a two-year "snapshot of the landscape."
The Florida Gators check in at No. 15 after not being ranked in the previous update. ESPN college football reporter Adam Rittenberg uses six categories to determine his rankings: returning quarterback, likelihood of a multi-year quarterback on the roster, offensive and defensive line outlook, roster management, star power (including All-Americans, national award contenders, and all-conference contenders), and the coaching staff.
Rittenberg adds that a team doesn't have to be strong in every category to warrant a high ranking, but most top-25 teams likely check multiple boxes. The future is bright for the Gators. Here's why.
Returning QB/Likelihood of Multiyear QB
DJ Lagway is the reason for much of the optimism aimed at Florida this offseason, and the former five-star being the unquestioned start coming into the 2025 campaign answers the first two questions Rittenberg asks. Lagway got a taste of SEC action as a starter once Graham Mertz went down, and the team never lost a game that he started and finished. He's the leader of the program for at least the next two seasons if he can stay healthy.
"Top 10 national recruit DJ Lagway emerged as Florida's starter last season, and displayed impressive deep-ball accuracy, finishing with 1,915 passing yards and 12 touchdowns," Rittenberg wrote. "He didn't throw this spring because of a shoulder injury but should be ready for preseason camp."
Offensive and Defensive Line Outlook
Florida's good here, too. The Gators return four starters on the offensive line, including All-America center Jake Slaughter. Austin Barber is entering his third year as Florida's left tackle, Knijeah Harris took a big step forward at left guard last season and Damieon George Jr. decided to return for his senior year instead of going to the draft. The only position up front that's a question mark is right tackle, following Brendan Crenshaw-Dickson's graduation.
"The Gators excelled in both pass protection and run blocking, and promising sophomore Bryce Lovett is pegged to take over at right tackle. Florida brings back one of the SEC's top defensive line tandems in senior tackle Caleb Banks and senior end Tyreak Sapp, who led the team in both sacks (7) and tackles for loss (13)."
Beyond Banks and Sapp, Florida is getting Jamari Lyons back from a broken ankle that happened during the preseason. George Gumbs Jr. was one of the more productive edge rushers for Florida, too, and several young guys will get the chance to step up on defense.
Roster Management/Star Power
Lagway is the obvious star on offense, but there are plenty of guys on both sides of the ball looking to make an impact. The return of Eugene Wilson III is highly anticipated, and the running backs room was the talk of the spring game. Florida has a roster full of Billy Napier-recruited talent now, which means its time to produce.
"A small number of incoming transfers (seven) underscores how pleased Florida is with its returning group. The Gators retained several players who could have gone to the NFL, especially linemen Slaughter, Banks and Sapp. They also brought back one of the nation's top young offensive backfields..."
"... Napier has his best roster entering Year 4, headlined by an established star in Slaughter, experienced defensive linemen in Banks and Sapp, and a group of exciting non-seniors, including Lagway, (Jadan) Baugh and safety Bryce Thornton."
Coaching Staff
Napier's coaching decision might still come under fire from the fans, but his team produced results in the second half of the season and was one of the most injured programs in the SEC. With a healthier and more mature group, the success Florida saw at the end of the season should only continue. Yes, there were changes to the staff, but Florida still has its primary defensive coordinator in the fold and Napier runs the offense alongside Russ Callaway."
"Napier is in a much stronger position after a strong finish to 2024. He brought in Vinnie Sunseri to replace Austin Armstrong at defensive coordinator and work alongside veteran Ron Roberts. Russ Callaway is back to lead the offensive staff and work with Lagway."
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