Following the spring games, fans have a good insight on their team’s outlook for the 2021 season. Expectations for teams such as the Gators are not sky high due to a new squad and coaching staff. However, there is hope in Miami for the Hurricanes to make a run with an experienced team. Mike Norvell enters his 2nd year as head coach for FSU, so Seminole fans expect some progress. Let’s dive into where the major Florida college football teams should rank as a promising new season approaches.
Florida Gators
Losing key playmakers like Kyle Pitts and Kadarius Toney force the Gators to take a step back. More importantly, it’s hard to imagine that Emory Jones can match Kyle Trask’s 43 TD passes. Despite Florida’s four losses last year, they definitely looked like a top 10 team. This year, there will likely be more balance on the offensive side, and defensive improvements are necessary for Todd Grantham to keep his job. The obvious preseason top 5 are Alabama, Clemson, Oklahoma, Georgia, and Ohio State. No one’s debating that. It’s hard to rank the Gators above Texas A&M, North Carolina, or Iowa State, for these teams had great seasons, likely to carry over. But we can guarantee that the Gators will be in that mix though; they are a top 10 team.
- Ranking: 9th
Miami Hurricanes
After an impressive 2020 season, the Miami Hurricanes are expected to compete for an ACC championship. The only inexperience on this Miami roster is the pass rush, but it’s not a huge concern with young stars such as Cam Williams at the helm. D’Eriq King returns as the starting quarterback, who lived up to the hype as a duel threat QB last year. The Hurricanes, talent-wise, are the 3rd best team in the ACC behind the UNC Tar Heels and Clemson Tigers. These top two teams’ offenses seem too prolific for the Hurricanes to compete with. Miami finished a spot ahead of the Gators in the 2021 recruiting class rankings, which is a good sign as there seems to be a promising future ahead for Manny Diaz’s team. Expect a step back for Miami this season, but they won’t be out of contention for a New Year’s Six Bowl.
- Ranking: 18th
Florida State Seminoles
Honestly, the Seminoles just need some time. Mike Norvell’s move from Memphis to Florida State displayed his guts, but he needs a miracle if the Seminoles want to return to the powerhouse they were back in 2013. FSU finished 3-6 in 2020, and they arguably face tougher opponents in 2021. They will be unranked for the majority of the year, if not for the entirety of it. Surprisingly, the competition in the ACC is slowly increasing. Expect the Seminoles to remain at the bottom of the pack this year. If any of their “must wins” end up as losses, Norvell’s job could be in jeopardy.
- Ranking: Unranked –> 40-50
Overall Synopsis
The Gators and Hurricanes have a shot at their conference championships, but they will be forced to adapt with new players. While Seminole fans are urged to wait for their team to return to prominence, let’s just enjoy the fact that we are getting a normal college football season come this Fall.