The Florida Gators are looking to get back on top of the SEC for the first time since 2020 when they won their side of the SEC. Billy Napier didn’t have a great first year with the Gators. However, they are trying to turn it around here in 2023. Will Florida get back to their superior ways? Here is the preview for the 2023 Florida Gators.

Offense 

Florida needs to replace Anthony Richardson, who got drafted as a top five pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. In comes transfer Graham Mertz from Wisconsin. Mertz was a very highly regarded prospect that hasn’t lived up to full potential during his tenure with Wisconsin. To take the pressure off of Mertz, the Gators have a solid running back duo that will be key to their success in 2023. Montrell Johnson Jr and Trevor Etienne are the dynamic duo in the backfield for Florida. Those two combined for 1,560 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns. If these two have another great season, the Gators should be a solid force. 

On the offensive line, Florida lost four starters from a season ago. However, some would say that they upgraded almost every position on the offensive line. They added some serious talent in the transfer portal. At offensive guard they added Micah Mazzcua (Baylor). At the tackle positions they add Kiyaunta Goodwin (Kentucky) and Damieon George Jr (Alabama). Those three are the type of offensive lineman that Napier loves. If the offensive line is as good as Napier thinks they can be, Florida’s offense can be very good in 2023. 

Defense

The decline of the defense reached new levels of low in 2022. Florida allowed at least 30 points in six losses last season. The Gators are bringing in some talent though from recruiting and the transfer portal. Up front, they should be deeper in 2023 and it starts with Memphis transfer Cam Jackson. Incoming freshman Kelby Collins is a top 50 recruit that is coming in looking to make a difference for the Gators defensively as well. Another big name to watch out for up front is junior edge rusher Princely Umanmielen who is poised for a potential big breakout season in 2023. I think those three guys are the most important to the Gators success up front. 

In the secondary, this team has some serious potential. This can be an elite group of players, led by junior cornerback Jason Marshall Jr. Florida has six defensive backs coming in from this recruiting class, which is headlined by four star recruit Ja’Keem Jackson (8th ranked cornerback in the class of 2023). The Gators safety group is led by sophomore safety Kamari Wilson who was a great addition from last year’s recruiting class. Florida’s defense will need to be better at keeping their opponents off of the scoreboard in 2023. This could take a season to get acclimated, but there is potential in this defense.

 

Win Total Bet

The win total is set at 5.5 wins on the FanDuel Sportsbook. The over is set at -134 odds while the under is set at +110 odds. My biggest worry is that the offense doesn’t have a solid signal caller. Graham Mertz has been nothing but a disappointment in his collegiate career. I think Florida has a bright future, but this is not the year for them. Take the under 5.5 win total at +110 odds for 1 unit. 

Schedule Predictions

Loss at Utah (0-1)

Win vs McNeese State (1-1)

Loss vs Tennessee (1-2)

Win vs Charlotte (2-2)

Loss at Kentucky (2-3)

Win vs Vanderbilt (3-3)

Win at South Carolina (4-3)

Loss vs Georgia (4-4)

Close Loss vs Arkansas (4-5)

Loss at LSU (4-6)

Loss at Missouri (4-7)

Heart-Breaking Loss vs Florida State (4-8)