Former Florida football players are set to play a significant role in deciding the next Super Bowl champion. NFL.com recently ranked eight teams who are legitimate contenders, threats to the Seattle Seahawks’ repeat bid. The list of teams is filled with former Gators expected to have a major impact on the title race.
Coming in at No. 3 are the Buffalo Bills, who feature projected starters O’Cyrus Torrence and C.J. Gardner-Johnson. Torrence is a pillar on the Bills’ fourth-ranked offensive line according to ProFootball Focus, while Gardner-Johnson is a new addition on Buffalo’s top-ranked pass defense from a season ago.
Landing at No. 4 are the Philadelphia Eagles, who added Jonathan Greenard in April, signing the former Gator to a $100 million contract with $50 million guaranteed. Greenard will be charged with elevating an inconsistent pass rush in 2026. Philadelphia finished the 2025 regular season with 42 total sacks, tied for a No. 13 league rank. During their most recent Super Bowl run in 2025, the Eagles generated the second most total pressures in the league.
Next up is San Francisco. Slated at No. 5, the 49ers are counting on receiver Ricky Pearsall to emerge, as he’ll be expected to assume a larger role in the passing game. Demarcus Robinson, another former Gator, is viewed as key piece for Klay Kubiak’s offense.
San Francisco boasts a top-tier aerial attack, ranking fifth in both passing yards per game and total per game and total passing yards. Pearsall caught 36 balls for 528 yards a season ago, while Robinson had an explosive playoff performance in the wildcard round, with six catches for 111 yards and a touchdown.
NFL.com top 8 Super Bowl contenders
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Former Florida Gators could help decide Super Bowl race in 2026
Reporting by Michael Long, Gators Wire / Gators Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
