GAINESVILLE — Florida is ranked No. 15 in the Top 25, the Gators’ first appearance in the preseason football poll in coach Billy Napier’s four seasons .

UF opened No. 13 in 2021 under Dan Mullen, who was fired late in the season as his team stumbled to a 6-7 finish. Napier’s Gators, on the other hand, are poised for their best season under the embattled coach .

Florida closed last season on a four-game winning streak and finally has momentum after ending on a three-game skid in 2022 and five-game losing streak in 2023. The Gators appear to have their best roster in years, featuring 13 players who started during a 31-11 win at Florida State in the regular-season finale, led by sophomore star quarterback DJ Lagway .

UF also returns four starters to the offensive line, led by All-

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