GAINESVILLE — Florida moved up two spots to No. 13 in the Associated Press Top 25 poll, but now has surging Florida State on its heels after the Seminoles rose to No. 14 after upsetting Alabama last weekend.
The Seminoles were unranked after a 2-10 flop in 2024 that raised questions about the program’s direction under sixth-year coach Mike Norvell.
Meanwhile, Miami jumped five spots to No. 10 following an impressive 27-24 win against Notre Dame.
After feasting on Long Island University in the season opener, Billy Napier’s Gators will face a September gauntlet. UF hosts USF Saturday after the Bulls upset No. 25 Boise State, 34-7, and received 25 votes in the AP poll.
On Sept. 13 the Gators visit No. 3 LSU, up six spots after beating Clemson, followed by a Sept. 20 date against the Hurricanes in South Florida.
The Gators’ rise in the polls coincided with the dramatic fall of Alabama following their stunning loss in Tallahassee. Ranked No. 8 in the preseason, the Crimson Tide tumbled to No. 21 in the Top 25, their lowest ranking since Nick Saban’s second season in 2008, when Bama was No. 24 in the preseason.
Alabama is 9-5 under second-year coach Kalen DeBoer.
Florida was last ahead of Alabama in the AP Top 25 when the No. 1 Gators faced the No. 2 Crimson Tide in the 2009 SEC championship. The Gators, led by Tim Tebow, lost 32-14 to Saban’s squad.
Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com
