The Miami Hurricanes came in ranked 16th on the initial AP Poll for the 2022 season. The Hurricanes were the only Florida team placed in the top 25, and this was the same case for the coaches’ poll. Florida did receive some votes, but it’s clear that Billy Napier’s squad will have to prove itself before the AP voters take notice. Here’s where each of Florida’s top football programs could finish at the end of the year.
Miami: Top 10
Mario Cristobal and his coaching staff have already done a great job on the recruiting trail. Cristobal was gifted a rather stable Miami program, and he earned his reputation at Oregon. The offense finally has a consistent quarterback in Tyler Van Dyke, and the Hurricanes could definitely make a run towards the ACC championship. If Cristobal continues his success, Miami could contend for a spot among the New Year’s Six Bowls.
Florida: Top 20
The potential for the Florida Gators is sky high, but the competition within the SEC makes it tough to predict Florida’s season. Matchups against the likes of Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, etc. could honestly go either way. If Anthony Richardson proves to be the star quarterback, Florida could definitely compete in the SEC East. Poll voters frequently give preference to SEC teams, so the Gators could finish in the top 25 even with a record of 9-3.
Florida State: Top 25
Again, the Florida State Seminoles undoubtedly have the players to compete in the ACC, but their out-of-conference schedule is rather tough. Florida State plays both LSU and Florida, and it’s a real possibility that the Seminoles lose both of those games. Mike Norvell could be on the hot seat soon, so a finish in the top 25 is crucial for Florida State.
UCF: Out of AP Poll
UCF has the easiest schedule among these top Florida football teams, but the talent of the Knights and their competition might hurt them. Unless UCF manages to have a 10-wins season, it’s hard to see the Knights make it into the AP Poll in 2022. Head coach Gus Malzahn has a history of bringing the best out of his players, so UCF could manage to prove everyone wrong.
Concluding Thoughts
Preseason polls usually have no meaning, but they provide a good outlook on the potential of the top FBS teams. The college football squads in Florida may not have as much popularity as in years past, but they usually perform better as underdogs. It’s only a matter of time before the likes of Miami, Florida, Florida State, and UCF are at the top of the college football landscape.