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SEC media predicts Florida Gators to finish ninth in 2026

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 24, 2026, 4:42 PM

Last updated Jul 24, 2026

SEC media predicts Florida Gators to finish ninth in 2026

Summary

The SEC media has projected the Florida Gators to place ninth in the conference for the upcoming season, marking a decline from last year's sixth-place prediction and a disappointing 4-8 finish under former coach Billy Napier. New coach Jon Sumrall is optimistic about turning the program around despite questions regarding the quarterback position and the offensive line. The Gators return only six starters and had limited representation on the preseason All-SEC teams. Junior tailback Jadan Baugh is the standout selection, earning second-team honors after a solid previous season.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Florida Gators are predicted to finish ninth in 16-team SEC.
•Jon Sumrall is in his first season as head coach.
•Gators had a 4-8 finish last season under Billy Napier.
•Only six starters return, with limited preseason All-SEC selections.
•Georgia is favored to win its third consecutive SEC championship.

Latest Updates

4:42 PMYahoo Sports — SEC media predict Gators face uphill climb in Jon Sumrall’s debut season

What they're saying

"
TAMPA — Coach Jon Sumrall’s first Florida football team will finish ninth in the 16-team SEC, according to league-wide media, a season after the Gators were predicted to come in sixth and then finished 4-8 under Billy Napier. Sumrall has energized the fan base and generated optimism. However, competing competing in the nation’s toughest conference, he and the Gators have ground to make up and ...
— Yahoo Sports

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