Florida Gators - 2022 College Football Season Preview & Wins Total Prediction

Last season, the Florida Gators were 6-7 overall and 2-6 in the SEC. Florida starts the season with a new head coach in Billy Napier, who was 40-12 while coaching four seasons at Louisiana. Napier will bring his high-powered offense to Gainesville. Last season Florida was 15th in total offense but fell short by committing too many mistakes. Florida has been given a projected wins total of 7.5 by oddsmakers.

Florida's quarterback will be Anthony Richardson after Emory Jones left to play at Arizona State. Following Napier from Louisiana is transfer running back Montrell Johnson, who will give the Gators instant offense on the ground. Florida lost its top three rushers from last season but Johnson will be joined by returnees  Lorenzo Lingered, Demarkcus Bowman and Nay’Quan Wright. 

The wide receivers will be led by Justin Shorter. Jacob Copeland left the Gators to play for Maryland. Florida added transfer Ricky Pearsall from Arizona State and if Florida's ground game is strong enough, the pass receivers will see plenty of open spaces across the middle and down the field. The offensive line added transfers from Louisiana and returns experienced players which should help the Gators. 

Florida's defense needed more help to start the season then did the offense. The Gators were 51st in the country last year in scoring defense and gave up far too many yards on the ground. Brenton Cox will start at one defensive end and is the top pass rusher for Florida. Jalen Lee returns as the starting nose tackle and Gervon Dexter will also start on the line.

Florida lost its leading tackler at linebacker last season Mohamoud Diabate, who will now play for Utah. Ventrell Miller returns for Florida after missing most of last season with a torn biceps. Amari Burney is also back. Florida’s secondary will be led by Trey Dean at safety. Rashad Torrence is also back in the secondary and led Florida last season with three interceptions.