ESPN predicts Florida football's 2025 record–and it's not pretty
ESPN predicts Florida football's 2025 record–and it's not pretty
The Florida Gators are staring down a .500 season in 2025, according to ESPN's Football Power Index (FPI).
Florida football is projected to go 6.4-5.6, effectively a 6-6 regular season–ranking 12th in the SEC. It's a tough outlook for head coach Billy Napier, who enters a pivotal fourth season under pressure to show progress.
Despite the buzz surrounding quarterback DJ Lagway, one of college football's young stars, the Gators face the No. 1 toughest remaining schedule (REM SOS) in college football. That makes any turnaround effort even more difficult.
The Gators sit well behind SEC contenders like the Texas Longhorns, Georgia Bulldogs and Alabama Crimson Tide, each projected to win nine or more games and contend for playoff spots.
Even middle-tier programs like the Oklahoma Sooners and Auburn Tigers are ranked above Florida in ESPN's advanced model.
Key FPI Metrics
SEC FPI Rank: 12th
12th Projected Record: 6.4-5.6 (6-6)
6.4-5.6 (6-6) Chance to win SEC: 1.0%
1.0% Playoff Chance: 14.5%
14.5% Bowl Eligibility Odds: 68.2%
Bottom Line
ESPN's FPI doesn't see Florida breaking through in 2025. For Napier and Lagway, a 6-6 season may be the floor–but also the line they have to rise above.
With pressure mounting in Gainesville, exceeding expectations won't just quiet critics–it may be necessary to secure the future of the program's leadership.
Every game will be a test–not just of talent, but of whether this rebuild is actually turning the corner.
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
Yahoo
19 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Miami Hurricanes Potential Playoff Berth in 2025 Hinges on Just one Player
Miami Hurricanes Potential Playoff Berth in 2025 Hinges on Just one Player originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Miami Hurricanes defense, specifically their pass defense, failed not only coach Mario Cristobal, but they also failed the fans by missing a chance to win the ACC title and earn a berth in the expanded college football playoff in 2024. Advertisement But Cristobal addressed that issue in this offseason by raiding the transfer portal for talented players that can defend against the pass. According to Carter Bahns of the one player that is the x-factor for the Hurricanes to make the playoffs this season is, surprisingly, transfer cornerback Xavier Lucas. Lucas recorded just one INT to go with 18 tackles and two pass breakups at Wisconsin a season ago. Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Xavier Lucas (6) celebrates with cornerback Max Lofy (12) following an Hanisch-USA TODAY Sport With that said, the x-factor is not Lucas at all. That moniker should fall squarely on the shoulders (and the surgically repaired throwing elbow) of former Georgia quarterback Carson Beck. Advertisement Beck passed for over 3,400-yards a season ago. He also threw 12 interceptions, eight of which were thrown over three consecutive games. Beck transferred after suffering the season-ending elbow injury. Then, Miami swooped in with millions and lured Beck to Florida. After an offseason of injury rehab and way-too-many distractions, Beck must step up and show what he can do at the most important position on the field during fall camp and during the season. Anything less than a conference championship and a playoff berth in 2025 will be a bust for the Hurricanes. Related: For Mario Cristobal and the Miami Hurricanes, Trouble Could Be Ahead in 2025 This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 21, 2025, where it first appeared.
Associated Press
35 minutes ago
- Associated Press
Rays bring 1-0 series lead over Tigers into game 2
Detroit Tigers (48-29, first in the AL Central) vs. Tampa Bay Rays (42-34, second in the AL East) Tampa, Florida; Saturday, 12:10 p.m. EDT PITCHING PROBABLES: Tigers: Sawyer Gipson-Long (0-0, 3.97 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 10 strikeouts); Rays: Ryan Pepiot (4-6, 3.11 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 84 strikeouts) BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Rays -127, Tigers +107; over/under is 9 runs BOTTOM LINE: The Tampa Bay Rays play the Detroit Tigers, leading the series 1-0. Tampa Bay has gone 26-22 at home and 42-34 overall. The Rays have a 16-4 record in games when they hit two or more home runs. Detroit is 48-29 overall and 22-17 on the road. The Tigers are 33-4 in games when they have more hits than their opponents. The teams meet Saturday for the second time this season. TOP PERFORMERS: Junior Caminero leads the Rays with 17 home runs while slugging .505. Yandy Diaz is 19 for 43 with three home runs and eight RBIs over the last 10 games. Gleyber Torres has seven home runs, 38 walks and 38 RBIs while hitting .283 for the Tigers. Javier Baez is 14 for 36 with two doubles, three home runs and six RBIs over the last 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Rays: 6-4, .310 batting average, 3.68 ERA, outscored opponents by 21 runs Tigers: 5-5, .258 batting average, 5.76 ERA, outscored by 11 runs INJURIES: Rays: Manuel Rodriguez: 15-Day IL (forearm), Jonny Deluca: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Ha-Seong Kim: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Hunter Bigge: 15-Day IL (lat), Shane McClanahan: 60-Day IL (tricep), Richie Palacios: 10-Day IL (knee), Alex Faedo: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Nathan Lavender: 60-Day IL (elbow) Tigers: Jackson Jobe: 60-Day IL (flexor), Jason Foley: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Alex Cobb: 60-Day IL (hip), Matt Vierling: 10-Day IL (shoulder), Reese Olson: 15-Day IL (finger), Ty Madden: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Jose Urquidy: 60-Day IL (elbow), Alex Lange: 60-Day IL (lat) ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Associated Press
35 minutes ago
- Associated Press
Miami Marlins and Atlanta Braves meet in game 2 of series
Atlanta Braves (34-40, third in the NL East) vs. Miami Marlins (30-44, fifth in the NL East) Miami; Saturday, 4:10 p.m. EDT PITCHING PROBABLES: Braves: Grant Holmes (3-6, 3.97 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 92 strikeouts); Marlins: Eury Perez (0-1, 6.43 ERA, 1.86 WHIP, five strikeouts) BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Braves -149, Marlins +125; over/under is 8 1/2 runs BOTTOM LINE: The Miami Marlins lead 1-0 in a three-game series against the Atlanta Braves. Miami has a 16-23 record at home and a 30-44 record overall. The Marlins are 17-37 in games when they have given up at least one home run. Atlanta has a 12-25 record in road games and a 34-40 record overall. The Braves have hit 79 total home runs to rank seventh in the NL. Saturday's game is the fourth time these teams match up this season. TOP PERFORMERS: Agustin Ramirez leads the Marlins with 11 home runs while slugging .458. Xavier Edwards is 12 for 41 with two RBIs over the past 10 games. Matt Olson has 18 doubles, 15 home runs and 49 RBIs for the Braves. Ronald Acuna is 17 for 33 with a double, four home runs and seven RBIs over the last 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Marlins: 6-4, .272 batting average, 3.54 ERA, outscored opponents by six runs Braves: 7-3, .260 batting average, 3.13 ERA, outscored opponents by 17 runs INJURIES: Marlins: Ryan Weathers: 60-Day IL (lat), Jesus Tinoco: 15-Day IL (forearm), Max Meyer: 15-Day IL (hip), Derek Hill: 10-Day IL (wrist), Rob Brantly: 60-Day IL (lat), Griffin Conine: 60-Day IL (arm), Andrew Nardi: 60-Day IL (back), Braxton Garrett: 60-Day IL (elbow) Braves: Daysbel Hernandez: 15-Day IL (arm), AJ Smith-Shawver: 60-Day IL (calf/elbow), Reynaldo Lopez: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Joe Jimenez: 60-Day IL (knee) ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
