College football insider Phil Steele included the Florida Gators on his list of “most improved” teams heading into the 2024 college football season.
Billy Napier’s group will face one of, if not, the toughest schedules in the country this season, but Steele has seen the program take enough steps forward under the current head coach to predict a better season than most are willing to.
“Florida has not had 4 straight losing seasons since 1935-38,” Steele wrote. “Last year they were much better than their record, just a handful of plays from a much better record.
“This year, they are improved in all 3 phases. They do face the nation’s toughest schedule but Napier and company are up to the task.”
Steele compared Florida’s situation to in-state rival Florida State, which narrowly missed the final four-team playoff after two losing seasons under Mike Norvell.
How many wins will Florida get?
Winning at home is critical to Florida’s success this season. The Gators only have four away games on the schedule, with the Florida-Georgia game being a neutral site game.
The Samford game feels like the only lock on Florida’s schedule, making in-state battles against Miami and UCF two of the season’s biggest games.
Right now, Vegas has Florida’s win total at a 5.5 over-under line. If the Gators can win those three matchups listed above, it would be halfway to passing that total. With home games against Kentucky, LSU, Ole Miss and Texas A&M, Florida’s chances to become bowl-eligible seem much more within reach.
Preseason All-Americans
Eight Florida Gators were named to Steele’s Preseason All-Ameican Team.
First Team
- RB Montrell Johnson Jr.
- P Jeremy Crawshaw
Second Team
- CB Jason Marshall Jr.
- LB Shemar James
- LS Rocco Underwood
Third Team
- OL Austin Barber
- K Trey Smack
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