Florida Gators rank highly in first AP poll of 2025, as the media believes they are better than the coaches

Florida Gators rank 15th in AP Preseason Poll

It's not much of a surprise that the Gators rank this highly in the poll. Earlier this month, the USA Today Coaches Poll ranked the Gators 17th, which was seventh in the SEC. The writers who participated in the AP poll had the Gators just a smidge higher at 15th, which was sixth in the SEC.

It's easy to see why the Gators rank that highly in the AP Poll, as the roster is one of the best in the country. The biggest reason for the optimism is at quarterback with DJ Lagway. Yes, he's dealt with a multitude of injuries over the course of the last 12 months, but he is healthy in fall camp and throwing a beautiful football.

The biggest aspect of the Gators' likely success going into the season is going to come in the trenches. Led by center Jake Slaughter , the offensive line returns four of five starters and they are arguably the best unit in the country. Things aren't too much different on the defensive side of the football, as Caleb Banks and Tyreak Sapp are going to anchor a defensive line that will wreak havoc on opponents offensive lines.

It's going to be interesting to see how the Gators end up doing this season, but the consensus is that they will be playoff contenders.