Who will Florida football lose to first in 2025? Here's what CBS Sports predicts
While nobody expects the Orange and Blue to sweep the regular-season slate, hopes are high in Gainesville that the gridiron gang can take a step forward from last year's improved performance. With Heisman Trophy hopeful DJ Lagway under center and the hot seat temperature turned down a touch under coach Billy Napier, there is a good chance the program can build on its 8-5 finish in 2024.
However, it is practically inevitable that Florida will lose at least one game — and very likely there will be more. But when will the first defeat come for Napier and Co.?
CBS Sports writer Brandon Crawford recently predicted the first loss for all 16 Southeastern Conference teams.
Who will Florida football lose to first in 2025?
Crawford foresees the Gators falling short against the LSU Tigers in Death Valley in their Week 3 matchup on Sept. 13.
"Beating LSU in Baton Rouge is hard. Taking out the Tigers on the road under the lights is even more difficult. Florida is 1-6 over its last seven games against LSU away from Gainesville, and this one's vital for the Tigers' playoff hopes this fall," he notes.
"Equally important for Florida, this one's the first of four straight against top 20 competition. The DJ Lagway vs. Garrett Nussmeier quarterback battle will be worth the price of admission."
Florida predicted to give Texas its first loss
On the flip side of things, the Gators are poised to play the spoiler for one of the top teams in the conference, the Texas Longhorns.
"Our preseason pick to win the SEC this season as one of four playoff teams, the Longhorns will not get through the schedule without a loss. The schedule is too treacherous compared to last season, and The Swamp could be a nightmare this fall for visiting teams," Crawford offers.
"Believe it or not, these teams have played in Gainesville before, but that came in 1940. Texas leads the all-time series with Florida, 3-0-1."
CBS Sports' SEC football first-loss predictions
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