The Football Writers Association of America and National Football Foundation released their preseason poll for the 2026 college football season, with the Florida Gators left off the initial list.
The FWAA-NFF poll ranks the top 16 teams in the country throughout the season. The initial preseason rankings will be followed by weekly polls released every Sunday during the 2026 season, excluding Labor Day weekend, with those results being released the following Tuesday.
The Florida Gators were the 10th team left out of the poll with only five votes. Had the poll been expanded to 25 teams, the Gators would have just been the first team outside the rankings. SEC rivals Tennessee (33), Vanderbilt (7), and Auburn (7) all missed the Super 16 poll but received
more votes than Florida.
Florida will have an opportunity to work its way into the rankings once the regular season begins under first-year head coach Jon Sumrall, who hopes to rejuvenate the fan base and return the Gators to SEC prominence. Sumrall has quickly become a fan favorite during the offseason through his authentic personality and aggressive approach to the transfer portal and recruiting trail.
The Sumrall era officially begins Sept. 5, when Florida hosts Florida Atlantic at 7:45 p.m. ET. Sumrall and the Gators will have the opportunity to start a new era on a positive note.
FWAA-NFF Super 16 Poll
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida falls short of FWAA-NFF preseason poll
