Some people are already marking the Florida Gators on their calendars as a possible playoff team this year. Honestly, they’re not really seen as the best pick for the championship.
They look more like the wild cards despite finishing 10th in the conference last season. The new season is fast approaching. And so, speculation is building around the Gators’ potential as one of the most dangerous teams on the 2025 schedule.
Florida Gators Labeled 2025 College Football Playoff Wreckers in Bold Season Preview
College football analyst J.D. PicKell responded to a caller who predicted that Florida could knock three to four playoff contenders out of the race this season. The idea is that Florida might not make the playoffs, but they could ruin it for others.
“What he said is really interesting. Three to four College Football Playoff teams getting knocked out of the race by the Florida Gators?” PicKell said. “For that to happen, I think Florida would have to have some mojo-especially late in the season.”
Florida’s 2025 schedule is brutal. According to Gators Wire, they are projected to finish 6–6, with matchups against Miami, LSU, Georgia, and Texas all on the slate. But PicKell believes the Gators could play spoiler if they build early momentum.
“They’ve got to start September hot if this is the kind of world they want to live in,” he said. “Florida plays Miami and LSU early in the year. So I’m assuming, if this ends up being a reality, you beat either one or both of those teams. That would accomplish what I think are the most important ingredients to knocking playoff teams out-those two are real contenders.”
The Gators finished the 2024 season with four straight wins, which was a positive way to close out the year. One of the key reasons behind that strong finish was quarterback DJ Lagway. He was just a freshman, but still threw for 1,915 yards and 12 touchdowns in only six games.
His strong play has made fans in Gainesville excited. Even former Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson recently said, “I’m actually looking forward to them running the playoffs this year.”
Caught up with Anthony Richardson after his multiple community events in Gainesville this weekend. Naturally, DJ Lagway and the #Gators‘ upcoming season came up.
“I’m actually looking forward to them running the playoffs this year.”@Swamp_247:https://t.co/duI6zLWvY9
– Zach Goodall (@zach_goodall) June 22, 2025
PicKell also pointed to Lagway’s impact in key moments last season. “At Tennessee, late in the game, DJ Lagway is thrown into action, throws a touchdown to force overtime. Some mojo was established there… When Lagway’s in the game, we got some mojo.”
“Three to four playoff teams knocked out? That might be a bit much,” PicKell admitted. “But I’d feel great saying Florida knocks out two… And if they do, and they’re a nine-win team? They’ve got a playoff case themselves.”
Florida hasn’t reached the national title game since 2008. Head coach Billy Napier is entering his fourth season, with Lagway preparing for his second year. Plus, their roster is, on paper, filled with experience. So, you can’t ignore the point that they could seriously shake up the playoff picture, if not for themselves, then certainly for others.
