Florida earns a passing grade from CBS Sports at midseason mark

It has been a wild ride for the Gator Nation this fall, as Florida football has experienced some meteoric highs along with some subterranean lows — but fortunately, there has been much more good than bad.

The Gators began the season with a four-game winning streak that was marred by a two-game skid, but they bounced back with a signature road victory in Week 7. Beating Ole Miss and Texas were significant feathers in the cap for Jon Sumrall's team, while losses to Missouri and South Carolina, in particular, were major black eyes.

At the midway point of the 2026 college football campaign, CBS Sports writer Brad Crawford submitted his grades for all 16 SEC schools, assigning the Orange and Blue a "B" for their efforts so far.

"This campaign could've deteriorated quickly for the Gators if Jon Sumrall didn't personally challenge his team to show more fight in high-pressure situations. Florida trailed 17-3 over the weekend at Texas before spot starter Tramell Jones, and that offense pulled itself off the turf with the season on the line," Crawford begins.

"As Sumrall said at a program in transition, progress will not always be smooth. We may not be as starry-eyed over Florida as we were when this team was unbeaten and ranked No. 8 after beating Ole Miss, but they can still get to the CFP with a strong finish and better play in the secondary," he continues.

"The Gators certainly look like a more well-rounded football team from the top down under the new staff. Florida's one of three SEC teams entering Week 8 with two ranked victories."

Next up, Florida has a bye week before facing Georgia in the annual rivalry game on Saturday, Oct. 31. That game will be played in Atlanta and broadcast on ABC starting at 3:30 p.m. ET.