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With Florida football’s 2026 season set to begin in just two weeks, ESPN analysts Kyle Bonagura and Mark Schlabach have released their initial postseason projections for the year. Among their forecasts for bowl matchups and playoff possibilities, both writers have determined where the Gators will finish their campaign.
According to their predictions, Florida is expected to compete in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl, the 82nd edition of the annual event scheduled for December 30 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville. However, the two analysts differ on which opponent the Orange and Blue will face. Bonagura projects a matchup against Clemson, while Schlabach predicts the Gators will take on SMU, with both teams coming from the ACC and SEC respectively due to conference tie-in agreements.
The Gators have a notable history in this particular bowl game, having participated nine times since 1952 and winning seven of those contests. Their most recent appearance came in 2012 during Will Muschamp’s inaugural season, when Florida defeated Ohio State 24-17. The program’s last bowl game participation occurred in 2024, when the team defeated Tulane 33-8 in the Gasparilla Bowl under then-coach Billy Napier.
Florida missed postseason play in 2025, marking the second absence in three seasons. The upcoming bowl projection represents a return to postseason competition for head coach Jon Sumrall’s program.
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Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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