Florida Lands at No. 10 in Phil Steele’s 2025 Preseason Poll, Trails Five SEC Rivals Despite Top-Ten Ranking

In the world of college football, few preseason traditions carry as much weight as the annual release of Phil Steele’s College Football Preview Magazine. Known for its meticulous research, deep-dive analytics, and trusted projections, the magazine is widely considered the gold standard for fans and insiders alike. This year’s edition, the 2025 version, has sent ripples across the sport—especially in the SEC—after revealing its much-anticipated Top 25 rankings.

Headlining the chatter? The Florida Gators.

Despite securing a coveted top-ten spot at No. 10 overall, Florida finds itself looking up at five fellow SEC schools. The Gators are behind Alabama (No. 4), Georgia (No. 7), Texas A&M (No. 9), Texas (No. 3), and Oklahoma (No. 8), all of whom now compete under the expanded 16-team SEC banner. The fact that Florida, a historically dominant SEC power, is sixth in line within its own conference paints a stark picture of the modern-day SEC—arguably the deepest and most competitive league in college football history.

And yet, Florida’s presence in the top ten cannot be ignored. After years of rebuilding, reshuffling coaching staffs, and recruiting to plug gaps, the Gators appear to have turned a significant corner. They’re not only relevant again—they’re a threat.

The Gators’ Rise Back into Contention

Florida’s No. 10 ranking is a testament to the strides the program has made under head coach Billy Napier, who has spent the last several seasons reshaping the culture, upgrading talent, and instilling discipline. This recognition suggests national analysts believe the Gators are ready to compete at the highest level again—even if their path is more daunting than ever.

One major reason for optimism? Quarterback play.

Florida boasts one of the most exciting signal-callers in the country, with returning starter DJ Lagway poised for a breakout sophomore season. A true dual-threat talent with poise beyond his years, Lagway impressed as a freshman and is now expected to take another step forward. His ability to make plays with both his arm and legs adds a dangerous dimension to Florida’s offense, which looks increasingly potent heading into the fall.

Complementing Lagway is a stable of explosive skill players and an offensive line that’s finally matured into a unit capable of handling SEC defensive fronts. The Gators have depth at wide receiver, a pair of dynamic running backs, and several future pros anchoring the trenches. If the offensive unit can stay healthy, Florida has a legitimate shot at pulling off multiple upsets—maybe even crashing the SEC title conversation.

Defense and Depth Questions Still Linger

While the offense garners headlines, the defense remains a question mark. Phil Steele’s ranking suggests improvement is expected on that side of the ball, but it’s no secret that Florida’s defense has underperformed in recent years. Missed tackles, blown assignments, and late-game collapses have plagued the Gators at critical moments.

This season, however, a more seasoned secondary, led by returning All-SEC safety Jordan Castell and breakout corner Devin Moore, looks ready to shore up the back end. The linebacker corps also welcomes a pair of veteran transfers expected to bring immediate leadership and impact. The defensive line—often considered the heartbeat of elite SEC defenses—has added both size and speed via recruiting and the portal.

There’s also a renewed emphasis on conditioning and physicality in Gainesville, a shift that’s been noticeable during spring practices and summer workouts. If the defense can climb from mediocre to simply solid, Florida’s overall ceiling skyrockets.

Stacked SEC Crowds the Path Forward

Still, for all the internal improvement, the external road ahead is brutal. Phil Steele’s rankings offer a sobering reminder of the Gators’ reality: even at No. 10, they are merely sixth in their own conference.

Here’s the full top 10 from Steele’s 2025 preseason poll:

1. Penn State

2. Notre Dame

3. Texas

4. Alabama

5. Ohio State

6. Clemson

7. Georgia

8. Oklahoma

9. Texas A&M

10. Florida

That’s five SEC teams in the top 10—more than any other league, by far. And it’s not just the presence of these teams that poses a challenge for Florida; it’s the depth of their talent, coaching pedigree, and postseason expectations. Every week will feel like a playoff game.

Alabama remains a juggernaut under Kalen DeBoer, who inherited a machine and made it his own. Georgia continues to reload under Kirby Smart, and Texas and Oklahoma have seamlessly adapted to SEC play after years of dominating the Big 12. Meanwhile, Texas A&M looks reinvigorated under new leadership, bringing a renewed toughness and swagger.

The competition is fierce, and while Florida’s ranking suggests it can compete, maintaining that spot—or improving on it—will be no small task.

Beating the Teams Behind Them

On the bright side, Florida is ranked ahead of several other big-name programs that typically get top-10 buzz. Among them: LSU, Michigan, Tennessee, and Miami—a fact that should energize Gator Nation.

LSU and Tennessee, in particular, are always direct rivals and recruiting foes. To be slotted above both in a national preview is an indication that Steele believes Florida is surging at the right time.

Michigan, fresh off back-to-back Playoff appearances and a national title in 2023, is also now behind Florida. And Miami, the Gators’ in-state nemesis, still hasn’t returned to national relevance despite frequent offseason hype.

That’s a narrative Florida will be more than happy to flip in 2025.

The Bigger Picture

Phil Steele’s No. 10 ranking serves as more than just offseason bulletin board material—it’s a temperature check on a program aiming to return to prominence.

For fans in Gainesville, it’s a sign that the rebuild may finally be paying off. For the players, it’s motivation to validate the belief with wins. And for the rest of the SEC, it’s a warning that Florida may no longer be the easy out it once appeared to be.

The Gators still have hurdles to overcome. Depth remains a concern. Injuries could derail momentum. And the pressure of living up to a top-10 ranking in the sport’s most cutthroat conference will test their mental toughness.

But Florida now has something it hasn’t had in years: national belief.

In a sport where perception can often shape reality, that belief could be the first domino to fall in a season of resurgence.

With DJ Lagway at the helm, a hungry locker room, and a coaching staff that’s finally found its rhythm, the Gators may be ready to shake up the SEC. It won’t be easy, but it will be electric.

And if they can survive the gauntlet, don’t be surprised if No. 10 was just the beginning.