The 2025 college football campaign is just around the corner as the nation’s gridiron warriors prepare for battle this fall. The US LBM Coaches Poll and AP Top 25 have both been released — as well as a tidal wave of other rankings and projections — giving everyone a decent idea of what is in store for the next few months.
While a single snap has yet to be played, many are already looking ahead to the postseason, which is headlined by the College Football Playoffs as well as the traditional lineup of bowl games. The goal of each program is to crack the 12-team CFP field, but if they cannot, then the next best thing is to earn an invitation to a prestigious bowl matchup.
Coming into the season, the Florida Gators are seen as an outsider with a chance of making the playoffs — but a lot of things must go right for the Orange and Blue. Most importantly, sophomore quarterback DJ Lagway must stay healthy if Billy Napier’s job as head coach is going to remain secure — but there are plenty of other issues too.
So, where do the preseason prognostications have Florida playing this coming December? CBS Sports writer Brad Crawford offered up his outlook on the postseason field, leaving the Gators out of the playoffs but competing in a familiar venue.
Crawford predicts that Napier and Co. will battle Bill Belichick and the North Carolina Tar Heels in the Gator Bowl held in Jacksonville, Florida, on Dec. 27.
Florida football’s history in the Gator Bowl
The Gators have won seven of their nine all-time appearances in the Gator Bowl dating back to Jan. 1, 1953, when they beat the Tulsa Golden Hurricane 14-13. The only two losses came against the Ole Miss Rebels (7-3, Dec. 27, 1958) and the Maryland Terrapins (13-0, Dec. 29, 1975), while the most recent appearance ended in a 24-17 victory over the Ohio State Buckeyes on Jan. 2, 2012.
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Which bowl game will Florida football play in? CBS Sports casts its preseason predictions
Reporting by Adam Dubbin, Gators Wire / Gators Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
