THE GATORS ARE BACK IN THE PLAYOFF PICTURE: Florida Debuts at No. 24 — Can They Climb?

By Staff Reports

For the first time since 2020, the Florida Gators are in the College Football Playoff rankings.

Florida (5-3, 3-3 SEC) debuted at No. 24 in the first CFP rankings released Tuesday — and the resume explains why. The Gators own wins over two current top-10 teams: No. 7 Texas (27-24) and No. 10 Ole Miss (52-28). Ten SEC teams are ranked, and Florida is one of them in Year 1 under head coach Jon Sumrall.

The climb starts Saturday at The Swamp: Oklahoma (4-4) comes to Gainesville for a 7:45 p.m. kickoff on SEC Network, with former Gators coach Urban Meyer being inducted into the Ring of Honor during the game. Florida is making a change at quarterback — sophomore Tramell Jones gets the start — and wide receiver Vernell Brown III is doubtful.

The path from there is real but narrow: at No. 6 Kentucky next week is the monster, then Vanderbilt at home and the rivalry finale at Florida State on November 27. Win out, and the playoff conversation gets very loud.

So, Gator Nation: is No. 24 the start of a real climb, or just a cameo? Tell us in the comments.

Sources: FloridaGators.com; Gainesville Sun; Gators Wire; Saturday Down South; SI.