ESPN released its preseason Football Power Index (FPI) rankings on Thursday afternoon, with the Florida Gators checking in at No. 18.
For those unfamiliar with FPI, it is a computer-based predictive model that evaluates team strength and projects future performance. Think of it as a power rankings system similar to what you might see in the NFL.
ESPN Preseason FPI Top 25
- Ohio State
- Texas
- Notre Dame
- Oregon
- Georgia
- Indiana
- Miami
- Alabama
- LSU
- Texas Tech
- Texas A&M
- Oklahoma
- USC
- Ole Miss
- Michigan
- Tennessee
- Penn State
- Florida
- Clemson
- BYU
- Missouri
- Auburn
- South Carolina
- SMU
- Iowa
Twelve SEC teams are ranked inside the top 25, seven of which are on Florida’s schedule. FSU and Vanderbilt, which Florida also faces in 2026, are ranked 28th and 29th, respectively. The Gators’ strength of schedule, according to FPI, ranks seventh in college football.
The model projects Florida’s record at 6.7-5.3. It also gives the Gators a 71.5% chance to win at least six games, a 2% chance to win the SEC, and a 15.2% chance to reach the College Football Playoff.
Neither the Associated Press Poll nor the Coaches Poll has released its preseason rankings.