Florida made a significant jump in ESPN’s power rankings on Monday morning.
The Gators moved up 8 spots to No. 7 overall in ESPN’s rankings this week. The move comes after Florida‘s impressive win over previously-undefeated Ole Miss in Week 4.
Here’s some analysis on where Florida now sits the rankings via ESPN’s Mark Schlabach:
Lane Kiffin might have been Florida’s first choice to replace Billy Napier following the 2025 season, but former Tulane coach Jon Sumrall sure looks like the right pick after four games. The Gators blasted Ole Miss 52-28 in the Swamp on Saturday, piling up 498 yards of offense, including 302 rushing. Tailback Jadan Baugh ran for 142 yards with three touchdowns, and he already has tallied 11 scores this season. Duke Clark ran for 126 yards and a TD. The Gators put up 40 points or more in each of their first four games for the time since 2001, when Steve Spurrier’s high-flying offense was still rolling. The Gators have work to do on defense, as they gave up 67 points in their first two SEC games, against Auburn and Ole Miss. But there’s plenty of reason to be excited after September.
Florida is now in good position to compete for a College Football Playoff berth following a 4-0 start to the season. The Gators, led by Aaron Philo and Jadan Baugh, have been explosive offensively in all 4 games to start the 2026 campaign.
Baugh has been particularly impressive as he’s already racked up 600 yards and 11 touchdowns — both figures lead the SEC.
Florida will go on the road to face Mizzou in Week 5.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
