The Florida Gators are No. 23 on the final SP+ rankings update of the 2023 preseason, but it will be tough to finish the season in the top 25 as Florida faces the toughest strength of schedule in the country.
Four SEC programs are ranked between Nos. 15 and 25 on the list: Texas A&M (16), Ole Miss (18), Florida (23) and Kentucky (24). The Wildcats face the easiest schedule, but it’s still the 13th strongest in the nation. All four teams will be competing for that unofficial fifth spot in SEC unless Alabama, Georgia, LSU or Tennessee crumble early.
Florida’s strength coming into the season is of course its offense, which received an offensive SP+ grade of 35.5 — the 25th-best number in the country. Defensively, Florida isn’t too bad. The Gators are ranked 41st on defense with an SP+ grade of 21.8 on that side of the ball.
Utah, Florida’s opponent for the season opener, is ranked No. 14 thanks to an elite offense. However, quarterback injuries could mean the Utes are playing below their peak capabilities.
Gators Wire will follow the SP+ rankings throughout the season and provide updates as Florida moves up or down.
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