Athlon Sports labels Florida football an X-factor team in SEC race

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SEC predictions for the 2026 campaign from Athlon Sports have Florida finishing No. 9 in the conference; however, the publication did identify the Gators as one of the conference's biggest wild cards.

Athlon Sports selected Georgia to win the league, but suggested Jon Sumrall's program could exceed expectations in year one of the new regime. Sumrall's cultural reset in Gainesville has been one of the biggest storylines in all of college football, with many experts believing he can carry offseason momentum onto the gridiron.

Voices like senior editor Steven Lassan believe Florida has "sleeper" potential in 2026, joining Tennessee, Missouri, South Carolina and Auburn as teams capable of overachieving.

"Sumrall’s ability to get the most out of a roster should show up right away on defense. The Gators allowed 27.9 points a game last year but have the talent to quickly turn this group’s fortune around," Lasson says of the program.

"Talent hasn’t been an issue in recent years for Florida. However, the roster wasn’t necessarily maximized to its strength under former coach Billy Napier," he continues. "Expect that to change under new coach Jon Sumrall. The Gators have a strong overall foundation in place, starting on offense with running back Jadan Baugh and receivers Dallas Wilson and Vernell Brown III."

An unsolved quarterback battle is one glaring concern for the Gators in Sumrall's opening campaign. Georgia Tech transfer Aaron Philo will continue their tug-of-war for the reins of Buster Faulkner's offense.

"New coordinator Buster Faulkner is among the nation’s top assistant hires and should quickly transform a unit that averaged only 17.6 points in SEC play last year," Lasson goes on to say.

An unresolved QB competition, coupled with a totally revamped roster that includes over 50 new additions and two new lead coordinators, creates an uphill climb for Florida. That roster also features top-level talent comparable to other CFB contenders.

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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida football named a 'wild card' in SEC battle says Athlon Sports

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