ESPN breaks down, ranks Florida's College Football Playoff chances
The recent success has the Gator Nation excited once again for its favorite gridiron game and expectations have followed the Orange and Blue up the win column. Now stocked with veteran talent as well as highly-heralded newcomers, Napier and Co. are looking to take this team to the next level in 2025.
One of their goals this fall is to crack the 12-team College Football Playoff, which would give the Gators a legitimate chance at a national championship. However, the road to the postseason is a rough one as Florida faces arguably the toughest schedule in the sport this coming fall.
Ahead of the opening kickoff just weeks away, ESPN's Heather Dinich ranked the top 32 FBS schools based on their percentage chance of making the playoffs, while also offering a breakdown of the teams' outlooks. The Gators landed at No. 25, in between the No. 24 Arizona Sun Devils and No. 26 Kansas Jayhawks.
Florida football's stats and numbers
Agree or disagree with ESPN Analytics?
"Agree," Dinich states. "Florida might have the best quarterback in the country in DJ Lagway, but it also has the most difficult schedule in the FBS. Again. The Gators are a long shot to win the SEC, and their chances of earning an at-large bid hinge on their ability to beat a lineup comprised mainly of top-25 teams."
Florida's toughest test in 2025
"Nov. 1 vs. Georgia," she offers. "The Gators also have to face Texas in October, but the history between the Gators and Bulldogs runs deep. ESPN's FPI gives Georgia a 79.7% chance to win. Florida lost to both Georgia and Texas last year in back-to-back weeks. This year, the Gators have a bye week to prepare for Georgia."
What the selection committee will like about Florida
"A Sept. 20 road win against Miami. The committee factors in the intangibles of rivalry games, and an in-state win against what should be a ranked Canes team would earn Florida some credit in the room. It could increase in value if Miami wins the ACC and clinches a spot in the playoff as one of the committee's five highest-ranked conference champs," Dinich notes.
"Even if Miami doesn't win the ACC, the head-to-head tiebreaker could be a factor in the room if both teams are competing for an at-large spot. This is also the kind of nonconference win that could help separate Florida from the Big 12 runner-up if they're competing for an at-large spot."
What the selection committee will not like about Florida
"An injury to Lagway," she declares. "His health is critical to the team's success, and the committee considers injuries to key players — which is why undefeated Florida State didn't make the CFP in 2023 as the ACC champ. That's not to say that Florida couldn't make the playoff without Lagway — in 2014 Ohio State won the national title with its third-string quarterback.
"But the Gators would have to prove to the committee that they still look like a playoff team with Lagway sidelined. He has already dealt with a shoulder injury, a lower body injury and a hamstring injury during his career."
Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
7 minutes ago
- USA Today
Wisconsin basketball officially announces non-conference game vs. Big East foe
The Wisconsin basketball program will officially tip off against the Providence Friars on Nov. 27 during the Rady Children's Invitational. CBSSports' Jon Rothstein had initially reported UW's Nov. 27 match vs the Friars on June 13. The program then made it official on Thursday afternoon. Wisconsin will venture to San Diego, California, in a four-team field alongside Providence, TCU and defending national champion Florida. If UW defeats the Friars, it will take on the winner of Florida-TCU on Nov. 28 for an opportunity to pocket another November circuit title. The loser of the Wisconsin-Providence game will compete in a third-place contest hours before the championship on the same day. Greg Gard's program has performed well in tournaments during the Thanksgiving window over the past two seasons. Captained by former Badger and current Utah Jazz wing John Tonje, UW captured a Greenbrier Tip-Off title with wins over Pittsburgh and UCF last November. With Tyler Wahl and Chucky Hepburn leading the way, Wisconsin also secured a first-place finish at the Fort Myers Tip-Off during the 2023-24 slate. This season, Wisconsin will look to defeat Providence -- which went 12-20 (6-14 Big East) a season ago -- en route to a third consecutive mid-season tournament triumph. After closing the 2024-25 season ranked No. 96 in KenPom, the Friars brought in three transfer assets to contribute to the starting lineup. Those additions could reignite the program's offensive engine. In addition to the Rady's Children Invitational action, Wisconsin will also suit up for high-profile non-conference tilts vs. BYU in Salt Lake City, Utah (Nov. 21), Marquette in Madison (Dec. 6) and Villanova in Milwaukee (Dec. 19). With returners John Blackwell and Nolan Winter at the helm, high-profile transfer additions Nick Boyd, Andrew Rohde and Austin Rapp figure to round out UW's starting unit this fall. All five playmakers will look to charge Wisconsin's offense into another favorable position throughout the non-conference gauntlet, which kicks into competitive gear with BYU and Providence. Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
New York Times
9 minutes ago
- New York Times
Before ump Jen Pawol's breakthrough moment, others came close — and now celebrate from afar
Sitting all the way in the back of a classroom, Ria Cortesio could barely hold her emotions together. It's been more than 18 years since Cortesio worked as an umpire in a Major League spring training game. The same year she was later fired, for what she and others have said were sexist reasons. Let go for no other reason than, as she said, 'I sit down to pee.' Advertisement 'That's it, that's all there is to it,' she said. 'Somehow, they found out I was a woman. It was never going to be.' Now a pilot, Cortesio is on what she says is her fifth career, figuring out life after umpiring. She was in job training on Wednesday morning when she heard that Jen Pawol would finally get the chance Cortesio never received: There would, at long last, be a woman ump in a big league baseball game. And once Cortesio, 48, went on her lunch break, the tears started to flow. 'It was all I could do to not (cry),' Cortesio said in an interview with The Athletic on Thursday. 'There was a box of Kleenexes. I dabbed my eyes a little bit. I am so happy for her. I'm so happy for Pam (Postema). I'm so happy for me. 'I'm so happy for all of us — all the women who are in the game right now. This is just, like, the greatest news.' Pawol, 48, will be called up from Triple A to be part of the umpiring crew for Saturday's doubleheader between the Braves and Marlins in Atlanta. She's also scheduled to work home plate for Sunday's series finale. Pawol has long been on the cusp of an opportunity like this — umping MLB spring games last year, and working as a Triple-A ump for the last two-plus years. But others before her have been close, really close, without ever getting that chance. There was Cortesio in 2007, who was rated as a top umpire. She was given assignments like the Futures Game and Home Run Derby, and sent her umpire mask to Cooperstown. But she was fired at the end of the season instead of getting promoted. And before her, there was Pam Postema, similarly competent at her role, but similarly let go in 1989. She subsequently filed a discrimination lawsuit, which was settled out of court. Now, decades after they've moved on with their lives, they can appreciate someone else finally taking the mantle. 'I'm so happy for her, I knew she would make it this year,' Postema said in a text message. 'I followed her career. Couldn't happen to a better person. I always knew there would be a woman in the big leagues, it just took time. And Jen is a great umpire.' Advertisement Longtime big league umpire Dale Scott, who retired after the 2017 season following more than 30 years on the job, worked with Postema. He said she broke ground back at a time when 'baseball was not ready for a female umpire.' Hostility is baked into the umpire job description. But usually that was within the context of the on-field game, Scott said. You get it from players, coaches, managers, even fans. But Scott said he saw Postema deal with that from people on the staff and in the front office who didn't want a woman in this role. Scott, who himself was the game's first openly gay umpire, was thrilled when Pawol got the nod for this weekend. He hopes this isn't a one-off opportunity, however, just to fill in. Getting a full-time job at the big league level remains a hurdle to clear. 'I think it's overdue,' Scott said. 'She's getting her shot. And hopefully, besides this weekend, she will get more games down the road. There have been guys that have worked hundreds of big league games and never get a full contract. That's still a goal down the road, but this is a huge hump to get to where she's at now.' Much like Postema, Cortesio has developed a friendship with Pawol, who has leaned on the women who came before her. For Cortesio, this feels personal. It's Pawol's accomplishment, but it's hers too. For years, she said, she's had recurring dreams where she'd arrive at a baseball stadium and all the umpires on that day would be women. On Wednesday, her phone was flooded with texts and direct messages from social media. There were friends, family, former coworkers, former umpires, former players and managers. It was a moment where that dream felt as close to reality as it ever had before. 'I feel a sense of relief for her that finally, finally, finally she's going to get her shot,' Cortesio said. 'And nobody will ever be able to take that away from her. It's finally happening. We've waited so long.' Advertisement When the news became public, Cortesio immediately considered purchasing plane tickets from her home in Goodyear, Arizona, to make it to Atlanta for the weekend. The logistics didn't end up working. Still, she'll watch at home, with what she expects will be many tears and a lot of emotion. When the national anthem plays, she said, she'll be watching her friend. 'That's probably when I'm going to lose my mind,' she said. She knows that it could have been her, or Postema, or any of the other women whose careers were derailed early because of unfortunate experiences they endured. Now, finally, it's Pawol's turn. But really, this is for all of them. 'From my perspective,' Cortesio said, 'this is my dream coming true.' (Top photo of Pawol: Rich Storry / Getty Images) Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Play today's puzzle
New York Times
9 minutes ago
- New York Times
Buccaneers' Shilo Sanders is comfortable with who he is — and isn't: ‘I can't be my dad'
TAMPA, Fla. — Shilo Sanders figures he could use some company. With another Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp practice in the books, players begin to disperse from the fields — some greeting family members and friends, others getting in a few extra reps on their own, or heading to the trainers room for treatment. Advertisement Sanders — the son of Hall of Fame cornerback-turned-college football coach Deion, aka Prime Time, and big brother to Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur — runs alone. From the goal line to the 50 and back, he runs, still in full uniform: a pewter helmet that glistens in the oppressive Florida sun, a baggy, white, long-sleeved shirt beneath his white No. 28 jersey — a departure from the No. 21 he sported in college as homage to his father. From the waistband of his white football pants and tights, a matching towel swings. Around his neck, he sports a snugly-fitting sweatband — just like Pops always did. On his fifth trip back from midfield, Sanders spots a group of 17 kids lined up across the back of the end zone, waiting anxiously for autographs. A fan favorite despite his humble status as an undrafted rookie, Sanders recognizes an opportunity. He invites all 17 kids to join him for his sprints. Up and back they run, and up and back — their ranks thinning with each trip. Finally, with 10 sprints complete, Sanders signs autographs for each young fan. After practice, @ShiloSanders took time to connect with the Krewe 🤝 — Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) August 2, 2025 Some 20 yards away, older fans hang over the fence along the sidelines, chanting his name. 'Shi-lo! Shi-lo!' The safety obliges, scribbling a signature on dozens of hats, jerseys and signs. Up walks former NFL wide receiver Steve Smith, now an analyst for NFL Network. The two chat and then line up opposite one another, and Smith gives young Sanders tips on how receivers try to shed defensive backs off the line. They hug and Smith returns to the television set as Sanders turns to make the long walk along the field to the Bucs' facility. But the cries of additional fans suck him back in, and he turns and signs some more. Eighteen minutes after the conclusion of practice, and with the majority of his teammates already inside, Sanders decides to call it a day. Advertisement 'You know, I'm putting myself in their shoes,' Sanders explains after finally removing his helmet. 'My dad played in the NFL, and just, you know, seeing some of my favorite players take the time to just shake my hand, say, 'What's up,' it meant a lot when I was younger. So it's just really cool and builds lasting memories for this whole city and community. They line up and get out here before we're even here. They stay out here the whole time. They come to our games. The least I could do is acknowledge them, you know? This is an entertainment business.' Sanders certainly knows how to make a connection. His father's son indeed, he has the showman part down pat. But don't get it twisted. Shilo's acute sense of awareness extends far deeper, and it's why he has a chance to make the Buccaneers' roster at a crowded, veteran-laden position. Despite popularity that stems from his family name and a brand built further by the social media prowess shared by Shilo and brothers Deion Jr. and Shedeur, Shilo is well aware that in the eyes of Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht, head coach Todd Bowles and assistants, he's just another undrafted rookie. Now out of the shadows of his famous father and highly-touted brother, he aims to forge his own path while buried on a depth chart behind All-Pro Antoine Winfield Jr., third-year pro Christian Izien, Kaevon Merriweather and Tykee Smith, and while battling along with fellow undrafted rookie J.J. Roberts, possibly for the same roster spot. But Sanders has a plan. For every extra mile he has traveled to connect with fans, he has logged double while working on his craft under the watchful eye of the Buccaneers decision-makers. He picks the brains of coaches and veterans alike between reps and in meetings. He puts in extra work on the side. He works hard to ensure he executes assignments accurately and promptly corrects mistakes. 'He's coming along,' Bowles said after a recent practice. 'He's getting the scheme down. He has made plays like everybody else back there. There are a few tests that come up during the preseason. … The three preseason games and practices will be others. He's got a chance to make it.' Shilo said 🚫 — Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) August 4, 2025 A lifetime's worth of blunt assessments and guidance from his father have prepared Sanders for how to deal with his situation. Under no illusions that he will beat out Winfield, Izien or Merriweather for a starting job, Sanders views relentless effort and special teams prowess as a pathway to a spot on the 53-man roster. While defensive snaps fluctuate on a given day, Sanders has received more of a steady workload on the punt coverage, kickoff return and kickoff coverage units and aspires to make his mark there. Advertisement 'I want to be All-Pro special teams,' Sanders declared when asked about goals he has set for himself. 'You know, show the coaches I could play, and that I play hard and be physical and earn their trust, make it on the field (defensively) one day.' Sanders' willingness to embrace a role like that of a special teams contributor should come as no surprise. He's a realist. Shilo is also the type of person who identifies a need and willingly addresses it, even if it means in a supporting role. There's no more perfect example than draft weekend, when, despite facing uncertainty about his future, Shilo poured his energies into keeping Shedeur's spirits up during the quarterback's slide to the fifth round. When the Browns finally came calling at the 144th pick, Shilo celebrated as if he had just received his own call. The loyalty and selflessness Sanders displayed impressed NFL talent evaluators and coaches as it offered a glimpse into his makeup as a teammate. Sanders didn't think anything of it at the time, but he explained that he naturally looks for the positives in situations and thus adopts the role of the exhorter. 'It's just about being real about this situation,' he said. 'If things are going on that you can't control, it's not gonna help by moping about it or being sad — just like his situation, be real about it, and it is what it is. And then you have, like, a peace within yourself when you're OK with any outcome, because, you know God's got you. That's why we're not worried about anything. It's the same with me here. I just control what I can control. … Keep running to the ball because you can't coach effort. So, at the end of the day, play hard, play good, physical football and be smart. That's all I can do.' From veterans to coaches, the Bucs have been pleased by the approach that they have seen from Sanders and say that he's doing everything it takes to give himself a chance. 'He's just learning. Every day,' Winfield said. 'He's getting better and he's just been doing his thing. I tell the young guys to learn your defense. Once you learn a defense, you can just play football.' Advertisement That's Sanders' goal. As the 6-foot, 196-pound Sanders runs through drills and plays in practice, every now and then there's a flash of his father, but Prime Time, he is not. He's not even his brother — a 6-2, 212-pound prospect who some believe possesses the potential to develop into a franchise quarterback. And Shilo is OK with that. 'I can't be my dad. Everyone's different,' he shrugged. 'Everything is different. It's not 1995 anymore. It's 2025. So even if I did every little thing like my dad, I still wouldn't be him.' The other Sanders knows who and what he is and finds comfort in that, and it's that keen sense of awareness that gives him a fighting chance. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Play today's puzzle
