The Florida Gators will wrap up the 2025 season with two familiar, heated rivals. In the previous article, the Gators were predicted to own a 7-3 record through their first 10 games. If this were the case, the door would not be completely closed on a possible playoff bid. Entering the final slate, the Gators’ hopes and dreams are still alive and well. This will be a telling season for the Billy Napier era in Gainesville. He must have another successful season, or the Gators will be looking for a new leader sooner rather than later. With a talented crop of players, but a daunting schedule, fans around college football are hesitant to label them contenders. However, in previous predictions, Florida has put itself in the best spot to succeed. Now, can the Gators close out their slate strong on the way to a possible playoff berth?
Playoff Bound?
SEC Foe
In the last game of the SEC slate, the Florida Gators will be taking on the Tennessee Volunteers. A heated rival, the Gators suffered a heartbreaking defeat last season. Falling to the Vols in an overtime thriller, there is no doubt that they will want to exact some revenge. Tennessee went through quite some roster turnover after its college football playoff appearance last year. Getting into an NIL debate with its quarterback, the Vols lost Nico Iamaleava to the transfer portal. Settling on Appalachian State transfer Joey Aguilar, fans don’t know quite what to expect. This is still a talented team, but there are a lot of question marks on both sides of the football. Another playoff berth may be too tall a task for a team asked to reload. However, the Gators know this is a rivalry game, and regardless of each team’s ranking, it will be a battle.
Downtrodden Rival
After just missing out on the college football playoffs, the Florida State Seminoles came crashing back to earth. Putting together a dismal 2-10 season, the trajectory of this program completely flipped. Now hoping for a bit of stability, the Seminoles decided to dip into the transfer portal for a new start. Deciding to bring in former Boston College quarterback Thomas Castellanos, they are hoping for a boost to this locker room. With nowhere to go but up, this will almost assuredly be a much-improved team. However, turning around last season’s disaster won’t be done in just one season. The ‘Noles are good enough to earn a bowl game, but are still a ways off from a playoff appearance. This is also a heated rivalry, as even during the 2-10 season, it was a competitive game for three quarters. Expect Florida State to give the Gators everything they can handle.
Predictions
The Gators have a chance to make their first trip to the College Football Playoff. Even with three losses, the strength of their schedule could be enough to get them over the hump. It will be up to the Gators to push through their final slate. Starting with a home game against the Tennessee Volunteers, this could be interesting. Despite coming off a playoff appearance, this is a completely different team in Knoxville. With expectations a bit more tempered, many experts believe Tennessee could finish with four or more losses. Due to this game being played in Gainesville, the Gators have the advantage. With a potential playoff spot on the line, look for the Gators to exact their revenge on a reeling Volunteer squad. Moving on to Florida State, this could be a pivotal matchup for both squads.
Florida State ends its season with some solid competition. Possibly looking for that sixth win, the Seminoles could have their backs against the wall in this rivalry affair. For the Gators, if they defeat Tennessee, this could set up a win-and-in scenario. With both teams having something to play for, this should be a physical, heated competition. Finishing the season at home, Florida will have the crowd on its side. Despite getting the Seminoles’ best shot, this is not a game that anyone envisions the Gators losing. After a back-and-forth first half, the Gators should pull away quite handily in the third quarter.
Bowl Game or Playoffs?
With two more wins to end the season, the Gators are predicted to end the year with a 9-3 record. A great season for Napier and company, this would put them right on the playoff hot seat. Would a strong schedule be enough to account for the three losses? Last season, SEC fans saw Alabama as the first team out in a similar scenario. However, Alabama dropped multiple games to inferior opponents. In this case, the Gators would have suffered three losses to other playoff contenders. While on the bubble, with their resume, the Gators would be a hard out. The committee would have a dilemma on its hands. Due to the strength of their schedule and losses, the Florida Gators should be competing in the College Football Playoffs.
Record: 9-3
Main Image: Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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