Paul Finebaum ‘concerned’ about Florida’s position in preseason rankings

After a strong finish to the 2024 campaign, Florida landed at No. 15 in the preseason AP Top 25 rankings. During an appearance on McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning, ESPN’s Paul Finebaum questioned if the Gators will be able to maintain their high ranking throughout the season.

“The school that I’m probably a little concerned about right now, relative to the ranking, is Florida,” Finebaum said. “I feel like it’s 2024 all over again with what I’m about to say. But, I just don’t like their schedule. I hate their schedule.

“Though, it looks like they survived the Lagway conundrum with his health, and that’s still something you have to watch. And, I know what they have on the team, and I’ve heard about this guy and that guy — but you start facing those games, and that four-game stretch when the road game at Miami looks to me like the easiest game, that means you better watch out.”

Florida has a grueling schedule ahead of it. From Week 3 to Week 6, the Gators will face off against No. 9 LSU, No. 10 Miami, No. 1 Texas and No. 19 Texas A&M.

While Florida’s back half of the season is slightly easier, it’s no cake walk. The team still has three opponents ranked in the preseason AP Top 25 in its final six games. According to ESPN, Florida has the most difficult schedule in the country this year.

Although Florida’s schedule is anything but easy, there’s a lot to like about the Gators. First, the team is returning 13 total starters, including standout quarterback DJ Lagway.

After Graham Mertz suffered a season-ending injury last season, Lagway stepped into the team’s starting role as a true freshman. He finished the year 1,915 passing yards and 12 touchdowns, compared to nine interceptions.

More importantly, he won games. Florida posted a 6-1 record with Lagway as its QB1. The lone loss was in the Gators’ showdown against Georgia, in which Lagway left the game early due to a hamstring injury.

With a year of experience under his belt, Lagway is expected to skyrocket into stardom this fall. Moreover, Florida’s defense should be much-improved as well.

The Gators brought in four defensive transfers this offseason and promoted Ron Roberts to their lead defensive coordinator. To pile on, Florida is returning the defensive line duo of Caleb Banks and Tyreak Sapps.

The pair combined for 11.5 sacks and three forced fumbles last season. They both were named to preseason All-SEC teams.

It won’t be long before Florida has an opportunity to prove Paul Finebaum wrong. On Aug. 30, the Gators will kick off their season against Long Island at 7 p.m. ET. The game will air live on ESPN+.