Greg McElroy Hints at a Season‑Shaping Challenge for Florida

Florida’s rise late in 2024 provided real energy heading into the fall of 2025. The Gators closed that season strong, winning four straight, including upsets of LSU and Ole Miss, then beating Florida State for their first victory at Doak Campbell since 2018. That momentum carried into spring practice and offseason buzz.

During his "Always College Football" podcast, Greg McElroy, the former Alabama quarterback turned college football analyst, is drawing attention not to any one player, but to a central test: Florida’s brutal 2025 schedule. He’s framing it as the key obstacle that could define the Gators’ season.

What Is Greg McElroy Saying About Florida's 2025 Schedule?

McElroy warns that Florida, which he has given the preseason rank of No. 16, could face one of the toughest slates in college football. He highlights early road trips to LSU and Miami, matchups at Texas A&M, Kentucky, and Ole Miss.

Add in a neutral site showdown with Georgia and tough home games against Texas, Tennessee and Florida State creates a daunting path.

According to McElroy, even the most optimistic projections may falter if the Gators don’t sustain the late‑2024 momentum through early October.

He calls the schedule a season‑shaping hurdle that could tilt outcomes sharply if Florida’s roster isn’t battle‑tested from the start.

How Can Florida Offset Scheduling Hurdle?

McElroy sees the answer in strength at the trench and a ground‑first identity. Florida returns four starters along the interior offensive line, including center Jake Slaughter, a junior first‑team All‑American in 2024.

Guard Knijeah Harris and Damieon George have experience, and coach Billy Napier’s system favors aggressive linemen who thrive in space. Even the one open tackle spot should feature a player with game experience. McElroy says the Gators will lean on that offensive line and the run game more than the buzz surrounding quarterback DJ Lagway, who's still recovering from injuries.

On defense, the Gators are just as fortified. Defensive tackle Caleb Banks returns after a disruptive performance against Ole Miss and LSU. Defensive end Tyreak Sapp finished last season with seven sacks and 13 tackles for loss.

Add in edge talents like LJ McCray, George Gumbs and former top‑150 recruit Kamran James, plus interior depth with Jamari Lyons, and the defensive front could be one of the SEC’s stingiest units.