ESPN published a wide-ranging 2026 college football preview on Thursday morning, which included a bold prediction for the College Football Playoff.
As part of the preview, ESPN’s Heather Dinich named 10 programs who could reach the CFP for the first time in 2026. Dinich’s list included 1 SEC program — the Florida Gators.
Although Florida has a proud history, the Gators have yet to make a Playoff appearance since the 4-team format was introduced in 2014. The closest UF has been to the Playoff was when it finished No. 7 in the final CFP rankings in 2020 under Dan Mullen.
Now with Jon Sumrall in charge fresh off a CFP appearance with Tulane, Dinich is bullish on the Gators’ chances to get into the postseason. Here’s her analysis:
The Gators have never been to the CFP?! Never. After a 4-8 record last year, things should only go up under coach Jon Sumrall. He brought in former Georgia Tech offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner and transfer quarterback Aaron Philo, also from Tech. The season-defining stretch will be against Texas, Georgia and Oklahoma.
According to the latest odds on BetMGM, Florida is +375 to make the College Football Playoff in 2026. The Gators will be hoping to take a big leap in Year 1 under Sumrall, who has won 9+ games in each of his first 4 seasons as a head coach at Tulane and Troy.
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Florida will open the season against Florida Atlantic on Sept. 5.
ESPN analyst names SEC program that could reach first CFP in 2026 Saturday Down South.
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