However, Kirk Herbstreit believed there was a chance the Gators could reach Atlanta in 2025. He named Florida as his SEC sleeper. Herbstreit picked the Clemson Tigers to win the ACC, Penn State Nittany Lions to win the Big Ten, Kansas State Wildcats to win the Big 12 and Texas Longhorns to win the SEC title.

The SEC has been loud about its desire to adjust the criteria of the CFP after 9-3 Alabama was left out of the field for 11-2 SMU last season. SEC commissioner Greg Sankey has spoken on multiple occasions about the desire to further emphasize strength of schedule, a move that he believes would help his conference.

Florida hasn't faced Alabama since 2021, while Texas will face Florida in each of its first two seasons in the SEC. A year off from the LSU rivalry can't hurt either. Knowing that bragging rights last for twice as long will only create more tension when the two meet.

College football gets started with Week 0 on Saturday. How will the season unfold? We provide our record projections for all 136 teams.

The Florida Gators Heisman winner was ranked above all the college football talent to take the field in the 21st century

Ole Miss has turned into a recruiting powerhouse under Lane Kiffin, consistently bringing in a top 25 recruiting class. Their 2025 class is the 16th best in the country, according to 247Sports. When Kiffin wants a recruit, more often than not, he gets them.

There's no major conference realignment to talk about (for once) ahead of a new college football season. Delaware and Missouri State moved up from the FCS to FBS and will play in Conference USA. But doesn't mean realignment is over. There's more to come for the 2026 season with the rebirth of the Pac-12 and a new-look Mountain West.

SportsLine expert Jimmie Kaylor has locked in his CFB futures picks and SEC over/under win totals best bets for the 2025 college football season