The Florida Gators will begin the 2026 campaign unranked in the major preseason polls, landing at No. 27 in both the AP and US LBM rankings. The team received a modest amount of vote support in the AP Top 25, technically placing them 27th under first‑year head coach Jon Sumrall.
A Season Without Rankings
Coach Sumrall has made it clear that he pays little attention to the poll numbers, instead channeling his energy into daily preparation and on‑field execution. "We’re not worried about where we’re placed on a list," he said during a recent press conference, emphasizing urgency in training.
The Gators’ first fall‑camp scrimmage took place on August 15, 2024, giving the squad an early glimpse of its chemistry. Their season opener is slated for September 5 against Florida Atlantic, a game that will kick off a schedule packed with high‑profile matchups.
Five Ranked Battles Await
Florida’s slate includes five preseason Top 25 opponents: No. 9 Ole Miss (Sept. 26), No. 25 Missouri (Oct. 3), No. 5 Texas (Oct. 17), No. 3 Georgia (Oct. 31) and No. 10 Oklahoma (Nov. 26). Each game presents a distinct challenge, from the high‑powered offense of Texas to the defensive prowess of Georgia.
The coaching staff has framed the schedule as an opportunity to test the team’s growth, insisting that the only ranking that matters is the one they earn through performance on the field. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see whether the Gators can translate early preparation into competitive results when the lights shine brightest.