The Florida Gators football team is set to embark on a challenging and exciting schedule in 2025. The Gators will face a mix of familiar foes and new opponents, including a highly anticipated matchup against the Alabama Crimson Tide. With a talented roster and a new head coach in Billy Napier, the Gators are poised to make a statement in 2025.
The Gators will open the season on September 6th against the Utah Utes in Gainesville. Utah is a rising program that has won at least nine games in each of the past three seasons. The Utes will provide a tough test for the Gators in their season opener.
Florida will then hit the road to face the Kentucky Wildcats on September 13th. Kentucky has been a thorn in the Gators’ side in recent years, winning three of the last four meetings. The Wildcats are always a tough opponent, and the Gators will need to be at their best to avoid an upset.
The Road Ahead: Florida Football’s 2025 Slate
The Road Ahead: A Challenging Path for the Gators
The Florida Gators football team will face a daunting schedule in 2025, with a challenging mix of in-conference and non-conference opponents. The season kicks off with a home game against the Georgia Bulldogs, a perennial contender in the SEC East. The following week, the Gators travel to Baton Rouge to take on LSU, another SEC powerhouse. The non-conference slate includes a matchup with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, a traditional football power that has recently joined the ACC.
The SEC East schedule is always unforgiving, and 2025 is no exception. The Gators will face the Tennessee Volunteers, Kentucky Wildcats, and South Carolina Gamecocks at home, and will travel to play the Missouri Tigers, Vanderbilt Commodores, and Georgia Bulldogs on the road. The SEC West crossover game that year is against the Alabama Crimson Tide, the defending national champions and one of the most dominant teams in college football history.
Here is a game-by-game breakdown of the Gators’ 2025 schedule:
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| September 6 | Georgia Bulldogs | Ben Hill Griffin Stadium |
| September 13 | LSU Tigers | Tiger Stadium |
| September 20 | Notre Dame Fighting Irish | Ben Hill Griffin Stadium |
| September 27 | Eastern Michigan Eagles | Ben Hill Griffin Stadium |
| October 4 | Kentucky Wildcats | Ben Hill Griffin Stadium |
| October 11 | Bye Week | |
| October 18 | Tennessee Volunteers | Ben Hill Griffin Stadium |
| October 25 | @ Missouri Tigers | Faurot Field |
| November 1 | @ Vanderbilt Commodores | Vanderbilt Stadium |
| November 8 | @ Alabama Crimson Tide | Bryant-Denny Stadium |
| November 15 | South Carolina Gamecocks | Ben Hill Griffin Stadium |
| November 22 | @ Georgia Bulldogs | Sanford Stadium |
Season Opener: UCF Knights at the Swamp
The Florida Gators will kick off their 2025 season with a highly anticipated home game against the UCF Knights on Saturday, August 30th, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, also known as “The Swamp.” The game will mark the first-ever meeting between these two in-state rivals.
[Game Details]
| Date: | Saturday, August 30th, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Time: | 7:30 PM EST |
| Location: | Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (Gainesville, FL) |
| TV: | ESPN |
[UCF Knights: A Rising Power in the AAC]
The UCF Knights have emerged as a formidable force in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) in recent years. Since joining the AAC in 2013, they have won three conference championships (2014, 2017, 2018) and made multiple bowl appearances, including a victory in the 2018 Fiesta Bowl. Led by Head Coach Gus Malzahn, the Knights aim to continue their success and challenge for another conference title in 2025.
Rivalry Renewed: Georgia Bulldogs in Jacksonville
The annual showdown between the Florida Gators and Georgia Bulldogs is one of the most heated rivalries in college football. In 2025, the two teams will meet in Jacksonville, Florida, for the 102nd time. The game will be played on October 11th at TIAA Bank Field, home of the Jacksonville Jaguars. This will be the first time the two teams have played in Jacksonville since 2019.
History of the Rivalry
The Florida-Georgia game dates back to 1904, making it one of the oldest rivalries in college football. The two teams have met every year since 1933, with the exception of 1943 and 1944 due to World War II. Georgia holds a 54-44-2 advantage in the series, including a 24-18 record in Jacksonville.
The Game’s Importance
The Florida-Georgia game is not only a major rivalry but also has significant implications for both teams’ seasons. The winner of the game often goes on to win the Eastern Division of the SEC and compete for the conference championship. In addition, the game has a major impact on the College Football Playoff rankings. In recent years, both teams have been ranked in the top 10 when they have met, making the game even more important.
| Team | Wins | Losses | Ties |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | 44 | 54 | 2 |
| Georgia | 54 | 44 | 2 |
SEC Clash: Kentucky Wildcats in Gainesville
The Florida Gators will welcome the Kentucky Wildcats to The Swamp on October 18, 2025, for a pivotal SEC East matchup. Both teams will be looking to make a statement in the conference race, and the atmosphere is sure to be electric.
Kentucky Wildcats: A Rising Star in the SEC
The Kentucky Wildcats have emerged as a legitimate contender in the SEC under head coach Mark Stoops. They have posted back-to-back 10-win seasons, including a Citrus Bowl victory over Penn State in 2022. Kentucky’s offense is led by quarterback Will Levis, who is considered one of the best prospects at his position in the country. He has a talented group of receivers to throw to, including Wan’Dale Robinson and Josh Ali.
The Wildcats’ defense is equally impressive. They led the SEC in tackles for loss in 2021 and return a number of key players, including star linebacker DeAndre Square. Kentucky’s defense will be a tough test for the Florida offense.
| Player | Position |
|---|---|
| Will Levis | Quarterback |
| Wan’Dale Robinson | Receiver |
| Josh Ali | Receiver |
| DeAndre Square | Linebacker |
Coastal Carolina Chanticleers Visit the Swamp
The 2025 Florida Gators football schedule features a home game against the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers. The game will be played on Saturday, September 13, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida.
Coastal Carolina is coming off a historic 2023 season in which they finished with a 12-2 record and won the Cure Bowl. The Chanticleers are led by head coach Jamey Chadwell, who has led the team to three consecutive bowl games.
Florida is coming off a disappointing 2023 season in which they finished with a 6-7 record. The Gators are hoping to bounce back in 2025 and return to contention in the SEC East.
The game between Florida and Coastal Carolina will be the first-ever meeting between the two schools.
Key Players
Here are some key players to watch in the game between Florida and Coastal Carolina:
- Florida: QB Anthony Richardson, RB Montrell Johnson, WR Ja’Quavion Fraziars, DL Gervon Dexter, CB Devin Moore
- Coastal Carolina: QB Grayson McCall, RB CJ Beasley, WR Kameron Brown, DL Jeffrey Gunter, CB D’Jordan Strong
Prediction
Florida is a 14-point favorite in the game against Coastal Carolina. The Gators have a more talented roster and should be able to win the game at home.
Road Trip to College Station: Texas A&M Aggies
Florida’s 2025 schedule features a road trip to one of the toughest environments in college football: College Station, Texas. The Aggies, led by venerated head coach Jimbo Fisher, always present a formidable challenge, and this matchup is sure to be no different.
Aggies Offense: Loaded with Talent
Texas A&M’s offense is expected to be one of the most potent in the SEC in 2025. Quarterback Conner Weigman, a highly-touted recruit, is poised to take over the starting role. He’ll have plenty of weapons to work with, including All-American wide receiver Evan Stewart and dynamic running back Le’Veon Moss.
Aggies Defense: Tough and Physical
The Aggies defense returns several key players from a unit that ranked among the best in the country in 2022. Defensive end Shemar Stewart and safety Antonio Johnson are both NFL prospects. Expect them to lead a physical and opportunistic group that will make life difficult for Florida’s offense.
Florida’s Outlook: Can They Overcome the Aggies?
Florida will need to play a near-perfect game to pull off an upset in College Station. The Gators’ offense, led by talented quarterback Jaden Rashada, will need to find a way to move the ball consistently against a stout Aggies defense. The defense, meanwhile, will have its hands full trying to contain Weigman and the Aggies’ explosive offense.
Keys to Victory for Florida:
- Protect the football: Turnovers will kill Florida’s chances of winning.
- Establish the run: The Gators need to establish a physical presence on the ground to keep the Aggies’ defense honest.
- Get pressure on Weigman: Florida’s pass rush needs to disrupt Weigman and force him into making mistakes.
| Date | Opponent | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 30, 2025 | Texas A&M Aggies | Kyle Field, College Station, TX | 7:30 PM EDT |
Crimson Tide Challenge: Alabama Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa
The Gators will head to Tuscaloosa to face the Alabama Crimson Tide in one of the toughest road tests of the season. The Crimson Tide are one of the most dominant teams in college football, and they will be looking to make a statement against the Gators.
Key Players to Watch
Alabama has a number of key players to watch, including:**
How to Win
The Gators will need to play a perfect game to have a chance to win. They will need to control the clock, limit turnovers, and force Alabama into mistakes. The Gators will also need to find a way to contain Bryce Young and Will Anderson Jr., as they are two of the best players in the country.
Prediction
Alabama is a heavy favorite in this game, but the Gators have a chance to pull off the upset. If Florida can play a clean game and force Alabama into mistakes, they have a chance to win. However, Alabama is the more talented team and they should be able to win this game if they play to their potential.
Scouting Report
The Crimson Tide are a well-rounded team with no major weaknesses. They have a strong offense, a stout defense, and a special teams unit that can make big plays. The Gators will need to be at their best to have a chance to win this game.
Keys to the Game
There are a few key factors that will determine the outcome of this game:
- Turnover Margin: The Gators will need to win the turnover battle in order to have a chance to win this game. Alabama is a very opportunistic team, and they will capitalize on any mistakes that the Gators make.
- Field Position: The Gators will need to start drives with good field position in order to have a chance to score points. Alabama has a strong defense, and the Gators will need to make them drive the length of the field in order to score.
- Special Teams: The Gators will need to have a strong special teams unit in order to have a chance to win this game. Alabama has a very good special teams unit, and the Gators will need to be able to match them in this area.
Players to Watch
There are a few key players to watch for the Crimson Tide:
| Name | Position |
|---|---|
| Bryce Young | Quarterback |
| Will Anderson Jr. | Linebacker |
| Jahmyr Gibbs | Running Back |
| Henry To’oTo’o | Linebacker |
| Jordan Battle | Safety |
Battle of Sunshine: Miami Hurricanes in Gainesville
The Battle of Sunshine is a heated rivalry between the Florida Gators and the Miami Hurricanes. The teams have met 66 times since 1938, with Miami holding a 35-31 advantage. The game is typically played at a neutral site, but in 2025, it will be held at the Gators’ home stadium, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
This will be the first time the Battle of Sunshine has been played in Gainesville since 1987, when the Gators won 17-10. The Hurricanes have won the last two meetings, including a 24-21 victory in 2022.
The Gators will be looking to avenge their recent losses and regain the upper hand in the rivalry. The Hurricanes, on the other hand, will be looking to continue their dominance and extend their winning streak.
The Eighth Meeting
The 2025 Battle of Sunshine will be the eighth meeting between the two teams since 2010. The Hurricanes have won four of the previous seven meetings, including the last two. The Gators’ last victory in the series came in 2018, when they won 28-26 in overtime.
| Year | Winner | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Miami | 26-20 |
| 2011 | Florida | 21-16 |
| 2013 | Miami | 21-16 |
| 2015 | Miami | 20-14 |
| 2018 | Florida | 28-26 |
| 2021 | Miami | 24-21 |
| 2022 | Miami | 24-21 |
SEC Showdown: LSU Tigers in Baton Rouge
The Gators will travel to Baton Rouge to face the LSU Tigers in a highly anticipated SEC showdown on October 11, 2025. This will be the first meeting between the two teams since 2020, when LSU emerged victorious 37-34.
| Date | October 11, 2025 |
| Location | Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, LA |
| Time | TBD |
| TV | TBD |
Both Florida and LSU have storied football programs and have been competitive in the SEC in recent years. The Gators have won three national championships, while the Tigers have won four national titles.
The game is expected to be a close and competitive affair. Both teams feature talented rosters and experienced coaching staffs. The atmosphere in Tiger Stadium is sure to be electric, making this a must-see event for college football fans.
The outcome of the game could have significant implications for both teams. A win for Florida would give them a boost in the SEC East standings and put them in contention for a conference title. A win for LSU would keep them in the hunt for the SEC West title and potentially a berth in the College Football Playoff.
Season Finale: Florida State Seminoles in Tallahassee
The 2025 regular season concludes with the annual rivalry game against the Florida State Seminoles at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee. This historic rivalry, known as the “Sunshine Showdown,” dates back to 1958 and is one of the most intense and passionate rivalries in college football.
The Gators have a slight edge in the all-time series with a record of 38-29-2. However, the Seminoles have won the last two meetings, including a 41-14 rout in 2022. Florida will be looking to regain the upper hand in the series and close out the season on a high note.
Doak Campbell Stadium is a hostile environment for opposing teams, but the Gators have a strong fan base that is sure to travel in large numbers. The game is expected to be a sellout and a thrilling end to the regular season.
Here is a summary of the key details for the Florida vs. Florida State game:
| Date: | November 29, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Location: | Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, Florida |
| Kickoff Time: | TBD |
| TV: | ESPN or SEC Network |
Florida Football 2025 Schedule
The Florida Gators football team will have a challenging schedule in 2025, as they are set to face several top-ranked opponents. The Gators will open the season at home against the Utah Utes on September 6th. They will then travel to Texas A&M on September 13th, before returning home to face the Kentucky Wildcats on September 20th. Florida will then have a bye week before facing the LSU Tigers in Baton Rouge on October 4th. The Gators will then return home to face the Missouri Tigers on October 11th, before traveling to Vanderbilt on October 18th. Florida will then have another bye week before facing the Georgia Bulldogs in Jacksonville on November 1st. The Gators will then close out the regular season at home against the South Carolina Gamecocks on November 8th.
People Also Ask
When is the Florida Gators 2025 football schedule released?
The Florida Gators 2025 football schedule was released on January 10, 2023.
Who are the Florida Gators playing in 2025?
The Florida Gators will play against the Utah Utes, Texas A&M, Kentucky Wildcats, LSU Tigers, Missouri Tigers, Vanderbilt, Georgia Bulldogs, and South Carolina Gamecocks in 2025.
What is the Florida Gators 2025 football schedule?
The Florida Gators 2025 football schedule is as follows:
- September 6th: Utah Utes (Home)
- September 13th: at Texas A&M
- September 20th: Kentucky Wildcats (Home)
- October 4th: at LSU Tigers
- October 11th: Missouri Tigers (Home)
- October 18th: at Vanderbilt
- November 1st: Georgia Bulldogs (Jacksonville)
- November 8th: South Carolina Gamecocks (Home)
