Florida football passed its first real test of the 2026 campaign, outgunning Auburn on the road, 44-39, to open up the SEC schedule. The Gators continued to roll on offense, but there are still some lingering concerns about the defense — particularly in the secondary.
That win, along with the decisive victories against inferior teams in Weeks 1 and 2, has the Orange and Blue moving up ESPN's power rankings after Week 3. Florida gained seven spots, jumping from No. 22 to No. 15, and now sits between No. 14 Tennessee and No. 16 Utah.
"The Gators' offense travels well, but the defense still has some issues to work through following a 44-39 win over Auburn," senior writer Andrea Adelson begins. "Headed into the game, running back Jadan Baugh had been
the best player on offense and that continued on the road in a hostile environment, with 26 carries for 162 yards and three touchdowns. In three games, Baugh has 458 yards, is averaging 8.5 yards per carry and has eight rushing touchdowns."
However, the Orange and Blue still has some improvements to make on the other side of the ball.
"The defense remains a work in progress, particularly the secondary," she continues. "Auburn quarterback Byrum Brown, who beat Florida while at South Florida last season, threw three touchdown passes — including a 35-yard score to Chas Nimrod with 24 seconds left to give Auburn a late chance. Florida recovered the ensuing onside kick to seal the win. The biggest test of the season for that secondary looms Saturday against Ole Miss."
SEC schools in ESPN's power rankings for Week 4
The SEC added a school to its tally this week and now has 10 teams in ESPN's power rankings, headlined by top-ranked Texas, followed by Ole Miss (No. 2), Georgia (No. 4), Alabama (No. 8), LSU (No. 9), Tennessee (No. 14), Florida (No. 15), Mississippi State (No. 21), Texas A&M (No. 22) and Missouri (No. 25).
ESPN's college football power rankings after Week 3
- Texas Longhorns
- Ole Miss Rebels
- Notre Dame Fighting Irish
- Georgia Bulldogs
- Miami Hurricanes
- Ohio State Buckeyes
- Indiana Hoosiers
- Alabama Crimson Tide
- LSU Tigers
- BYU Cougars
- USC Trojans
- Penn State Nittany Lions
- Texas Tech Red Raiders
- Tennessee Volunteers
- Florida Gators
- Utah Utes
- Louisville Cardinals
- Oregon Ducks
- Iowa Hawkeyes
- Michigan Wolverines
- Mississippi State Bulldogs
- Texas A&M Aggies
- West Virginia Mountaineers
- SMU Mustangs
- Missouri Tigers
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida bumped up into top 15 of ESPN's power rankings after Week 3
