Florida will face FAU to kick off the season in just a few days, and they look to start the season as the seventh most talented team in the nation, according to 247Sports.
Each year, 247Sports compiles a list ranking team talent based on how players ranked in high school. The list also accounts for departures like transfers and dismissals. The SEC reigns supreme on the rankings, taking four of the top seven spots. Alabama, Georgia and LSU placed higher than UF.
Coach Dan Mullen‘s success with the team isn’t a random coincidence. The Gators have six former five-star recruits and 49 former four-stars. Part of it is Mullen’s ability to work the transfer portal. Bringing in players such as Justin Shorter from Penn State and Demarkcus Bowman from Clemson helps Florida stay at the top in terms of talent.
Being ranked on this list is no small accomplishment. The teams in the top 10 of 247Sports’ rankings routinely produce NFL-ready prospects and play in major bowl games. This is Florida’s second consecutive season in the top 10. Both teams place seventh but last year’s squad had a rating nearly 20 points lower than this year’s.
Miami and Florida State check in at Nos. 13 and 20, respectively, making Florida a hot destination for in-state prospects.