Florida football leaps in ESPN’s SP+ rankings after bye in Week 8
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Florida football was on its first and only bye of the 2026 campaign this weekend and yet still gained ground in some of the rankings, including ESPN’s SP+ metric.
Following college football’s Week 8 action, Bill Connelly released his SP+ update, with Florida rising to No. 31 in the overall rankings with a 10.6 rating despite the triumph over Texas. That represents a seven-spot improvement from last week’s standings and a 1.4-point increase from the previous rating.
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The Gators also climbed up a couple of spots in ESPN’s Football Power Index this week to No. 17.
Looking deeper into the numbers, Florida’s offensive SP+ remained at 33.5 and is now No. 24 in the nation, marking a three-spot rise from the last update. Meanwhile, the defense checks in at No. 50 with a 24.9 rating — a 12-spot improvement and a 1.4-point decrease — while special teams slipped from first to third in the country while holding onto its 0.6 rating.
The SEC still has seven schools in the SP+ rankings’ top 25 for the third straight week, headlined by second-ranked Georgia, followed by LSU (No. 4), Alabama (No. 7) and Texas (No. 8) among the top 10. The remaining top-25 representatives are Tennessee (No. 11), Ole Miss (No. 16) and Missouri (No. 18); Florida (No. 31), Kentucky (No. 32), Oklahoma (No. 33) and Texas A&M (No. 34) lurk just beyond the top 30.
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PHOTOS: Top highlights from Florida’s rivalry game vs Georgia in 2025
Nov 1, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) runs a play against the Georgia Bulldogs at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images
(Travis Register, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Top highlights from Florida’s rivalry game vs Georgia in 2025
Nov 1, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) runs a play against the Georgia Bulldogs at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images
(Travis Register, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Top highlights from Florida’s rivalry game vs Georgia in 2025
Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) runs against Georgia Bulldogs during the second half of an NCAA football game at Everbank Stadium in Jacksonville, FL on Saturday, November 1, 2025. Georgia won 24-20. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
(Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Top highlights from Florida’s rivalry game vs Georgia in 2025
Florida Gators wide receiver Eugene Wilson III (3) catches a pass for a touchdown score during the first quarter of an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. Georgia held off Florida 24-20. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
(Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Unio, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Top highlights from Florida’s rivalry game vs Georgia in 2025
Florida Gators wide receiver Eugene Wilson III (3) reacts to a first down pickup during the first quarter of an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. Georgia held off Florida 24-20. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
(Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Unio, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Top highlights from Florida’s rivalry game vs Georgia in 2025
Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) scrambles in the second half in an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. Georgia defeated Florida 24-20. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
(Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Top highlights from Florida’s rivalry game vs Georgia in 2025
Florida Gators defensive lineman Brendan Bett (90) makes Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) cough up the ball during the first half of an NCAA football game at Everbank Stadium in Jacksonville, FL on Saturday, November 1, 2025. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
(Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Top highlights from Florida’s rivalry game vs Georgia in 2025
Florida Gators running back Jadan Baugh (13) scores a rushing touchdown against Georgia Bulldogs safety Zion Branch (2) during the third quarter of an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. Georgia held off Florida 24-20. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
(Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Unio, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Top highlights from Florida’s rivalry game vs Georgia in 2025
Florida Gators defensive back Bryce Thornton (18) and Sharif Denson sack Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) during the second half of an NCAA football game at Everbank Stadium in Jacksonville, FL on Saturday, November 1, 2025. Georgia won 24-20. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
(Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Top highlights from Florida’s rivalry game vs Georgia in 2025
Florida Gators defensive back Jamroc Grimsley (26) intercepts against Georgia Bulldogs during the first half of an NCAA football game at Everbank Stadium in Jacksonville, FL on Saturday, November 1, 2025. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
(Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Top highlights from Florida’s rivalry game vs Georgia in 2025
Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Jontae Gilbert (25) downs Florida Gators running back Jadan Baugh (13) during the second half of an NCAA football game at Everbank Stadium in Jacksonville, FL on Saturday, November 1, 2025. Georgia won 24-20. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
(Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Top highlights from Florida’s rivalry game vs Georgia in 2025
Florida Gators wide receiver Eugene Wilson III (3) catches a pass in the second half in an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. Georgia defeated Florida 24-20. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
(Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Top highlights from Florida’s rivalry game vs Georgia in 2025
Georgia Bulldogs linebacker CJ Allen (3) wraps up Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) in the first quarter in an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
(Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Top highlights from Florida’s rivalry game vs Georgia in 2025
Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) escapes the grasp of Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Quintavius Johnson (33) in the second half in an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. Georgia defeated Florida 24-20 [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
(Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Top highlights from Florida’s rivalry game vs Georgia in 2025
Florida Gators linebacker Myles Graham (5) shoves Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Zachariah Branch (1) out of bounds in the second quarter in an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
(Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
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CBS Sports circles 2 Florida games in SEC playoff race
Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) shoves off Georgia Bulldogs defensive back JaCorey Thomas (20) in the second half in an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. Georgia defeated Florida 24-20 [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
(Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Top highlights from Florida’s rivalry game vs Georgia in 2025
Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) scrambles in the second half in an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. Georgia defeated Florida 24-20. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
(Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Top highlights from Florida’s rivalry game vs Georgia in 2025
Florida Gators defensive back Bryce Thornton (18) sacks Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) in the second half in an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. Georgia defeated Florida 24-20. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
(Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Top highlights from Florida’s rivalry game vs Georgia in 2025
Florida Gators wide receiver J. Michael Sturdivant (9) tries to convince the referees that his catch was good in the fourth quarter in an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. Georgia defeated Florida 24-20. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
(Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Top highlights from Florida’s rivalry game vs Georgia in 2025
Florida Gators running back Jadan Baugh (13) is tackled by Georgia Bulldogs defensive back JaCorey Thomas (20) and defensive back Daylen Everette (6) during the first quarter of an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. Georgia held off Florida 24-20. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
(Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Unio, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Top highlights from Florida’s rivalry game vs Georgia in 2025
Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Ellis Robinson IV (1) and safety Zion Branch (2) combine to tackle Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) who is short on the line to gain on a third down during the fourth quarter of an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. Georgia held off Florida 24-20. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
(Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Unio, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Top highlights from Florida’s rivalry game vs Georgia in 2025
Nov 1, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators linebacker Jaden Robinson (29) makes a tackle against the Georgia Bulldogs at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images
(Travis Register, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Top highlights from Florida’s rivalry game vs Georgia in 2025
Nov 1, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) runs the ball against the Georgia Bulldogs at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images
(Travis Register, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Top highlights from Florida’s rivalry game vs Georgia in 2025
Nov 1, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) scrambles with the ball against the Georgia Bulldogs at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images
(Travis Register, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Top highlights from Florida’s rivalry game vs Georgia in 2025
Nov 1, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Drake Stubbs (9) makes a tackle on Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Zachariah Branch (1) at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images
(Travis Register, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Top highlights from Florida’s rivalry game vs Georgia in 2025
Nov 1, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Raylen Wilson (5) makes a tackle on Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images
(Travis Register, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Top highlights from Florida’s rivalry game vs Georgia in 2025
Nov 1, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators running back Jadan Baugh (13) runs with the ball against the Georgia Bulldogs at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images
(Travis Register, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Top highlights from Florida’s rivalry game vs Georgia in 2025
Nov 1, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators kicker Trey Smack (29) lines up for a kick against the Georgia Bulldogs at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images
(Travis Register, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Top highlights from Florida’s rivalry game vs Georgia in 2025
Florida Gators place kicker Trey Smack (29) celebrates a 54 yard field goal in the second half in an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. Georgia defeated Florida 24-20. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
(Doug Engle / Florida Times-Union, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
ESPN’s Week 8 SP+ top 25 rankings
RK
TEAM
REC
SP+
OFF
DEF
ST
CH
1
Ohio St
6-1
28.6
39.2 (4)
10.7 (1)
0.1 (62)
+0
2
Georgia
6-1
27.1
39.6 (2)
12.9 (4)
0.4 (12)
+0
3
Notre Dame
6-1
25.2
39.5 (3)
14.7 (8)
0.4 (17)
+1
4
LSU
6-2
25.2
38.8 (5)
13.3 (5)
-0.3 (105)
+2
5
Miami
7-0
24.7
40.9 (1)
16.6 (15)
0.4 (21)
-2
6
Indiana
7-1
24.2
35.1 (15)
10.9 (2)
0.0 (77)
-1
7
Alabama
6-2
20.9
37.2 (8)
16.6 (14)
0.3 (40)
+5
8
Texas
5-2
20.4
34.6 (16)
14.5 (7)
0.3 (29)
+0
9
Texas Tech
6-1
18.4
36.2 (10)
18.2 (23)
0.4 (16)
-2
10
Utah
7-0
18.0
35.7 (13)
17.7 (22)
0.1 (66)
+0
11
Tennessee
6-2
17.9
34.4 (17)
16.9 (18)
0.5 (9)
+2
12
Oregon
4-3
17.0
33.2 (28)
16.5 (11)
0.2 (46)
-1
13
BYU
6-1
16.7
33.9 (20)
17.6 (21)
0.4 (13)
-4
14
Arizona
6-1
16.0
35.4 (14)
19.0 (24)
-0.4 (114)
+1
15
Nebraska
5-2
15.4
32.2 (34)
16.7 (16)
-0.1 (90)
+1
16
Ole Miss
5-2
14.7
37.2 (7)
23.2 (48)
0.7 (1)
-2
17
UCLA
7-0
14.4
31.5 (38)
17.1 (19)
-0.1 (86)
+2
18
Missouri
5-2
14.2
30.9 (42)
16.5 (12)
-0.2 (92)
+3
19
USC
6-2
14.2
36.6 (9)
22.4 (39)
-0.1 (89)
-2
20
Northwestern
6-1
13.7
32.8 (31)
19.1 (26)
0.0 (73)
+6
21
SMU
6-1
13.4
34.1 (19)
20.4 (32)
-0.4 (118)
+4
22
Houston
6-2
13.3
36.1 (11)
23.0 (45)
0.2 (47)
-4
23
Iowa
5-2
12.4
27.3 (62)
15.3 (10)
0.4 (11)
-1
24
Oklahoma St
5-2
12.4
36.1 (12)
24.1 (52)
0.4 (18)
+3
25
Wake Forest
6-1
12.2
33.1 (29)
21.3 (35)
0.3 (28)
-5
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