Could Florida make the CFP in Year 1 under Sumrall?

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Florida football's goal each season is to reach the College Football Playoff and compete for a national championship. While the Gators have come up short of that goal since the postseason format began a decade ago, the Orange and Blue remain in the conversation of teams on the cusp of breaking that barrier.

In ESPN's 100-days-out preview of the college football season, Heather Dinich broke down the 10 teams she believes could make it to the CFP for the first time in 2026-27. Florida checks in at the very bottom of that list, while former Gators' head coach Dan Mullen's UNLV sits at No. 2 in his second year with the Rebels. It's not the most resounding endorsement, but the fact remains that national experts believe the Gators will — eventually — figure things out.

"After a 4-8 record last year, things should only go up under coach Jon Sumrall," Dinich said. "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."

The addition of a new coach brings a certain buzz to an SEC program. Of course, hopes were just as high when Billy Napier took over the program four years ago, and again when he landed DJ Lagway in the recruiting cycle. The new-car smell and fresh coat of paint only last so long, but Sumrall's still in the honeymoon period.

Sumrall says he wants to win every game, and the goal is to compete for hardware right away. That's easier said than done, but it's too early to count the Gators out. Let's check back in 130 days to see how good things look.

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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: ESPN gives Florida football a chance to make first-ever CFP

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