SEC Power Rankings for 2018 college football preseason

Why are people so high on the Florida Gators right now? They were one of three teams in the conference to just have four wins last year, and they are also undergoing a coaching change. Oh, it’s also worth noting that this coaching change involves schematic changes on offense and defense as well.

The combined factors of all of these things have them at No. 12 in our SEC Power Rankings for right now. To be fair, given the fact that they had a sure win canceled last year, this team actually would be No. 11 in our rankings ahead of the next team we’ll get to since they finished higher in the SEC last year. However, a coaching change throws that for a loop.

Florida has more expectations than most teams in their situation from last year, but it has a bit to do with the fact that Mullen is such a proven coach after nine years with the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Still, you have to expect some growing pains with his new system.

As a result, we’re keeping the Gators down here to start the season. Like the Arkansas Razorbacks, they don’t open against anybody special, as they’ll face Charleston Southern. That won’t do much to move them up this list.

Ironically, they also play the Colorado State Rams early in the season like Arkansas. Between those two teams, though, they have a conference game against the Kentucky Wildcats that could vault them up this list. For now, though, they belong down here.