So much can happen between now and next November, so take this with a grain of salt. However, the game will be in Gainesville, and the Gators return one of the most talented quarterbacks in the nation in DJ Lagway.
However, he missed much of spring with an injury, and it's not like he was some freshman phenom last year.
I've pointed out several times that FSU's James Blackman had a better true freshman season in 2017, and Lagway had a better offensive line to play behind.
Florida has talent and finished the 2024 season by winning their final four games, including two wins over ranked teams.
As bad as the Noles were in 2024, they hung with the Gators through three quarters and contained Lagway. However, it was the FSU offense turning the ball over FIVE times that was the major difference.
I'm not ready to chalk this down as an automatic loss, but I'll give the Gators the nod since it's a road game.
Overall Thoughts
There you have it. A way too early 8-4 prediction for the Noles in 2025. They don't have to beat Alabama, just keep it respectable and then win the next three.
That would build some confidence going into that Miami game, that could be all they need to surprise some folks the rest of the year. I don't think most of these teams are anywhere near as good as some pundits think. I think eight wins is very doable.