For the first time in a while, all seven teams played on the same weekend last week, so some shuffling was due, and it arrived.
We told you there'd be some shakeup in our rankings last week, given how all seven Florida schools were on the field for a change.
Six of the seven find themselves in a different slot this week. You probably know which team remains anchored in place.
That's right, the Miami Hurricanes remain No. 1 and will remain so after this week, since they have yet another week off after their big win in Tallahassee. Take a week off, win a game, take another week off. Nice work if you can get it.
After that, we have a new No. 2, a new No. 3, a new No. 4 ... you get the message.
1. Miami Hurricanes (5-0)
Last week: (ranked 1) beat FSU, 28-22. This week: off. FYI: A scheduling quirk gives Miami two off-weeks in a three-week period. That’s what you say when you don’t feel like doing the research necessary to figure it all out. Another quirk has the ’Canes never leaving the state of Florida until November, when they got to SMU to dodge a bullet.
2. USF Bulls (4-1)
Last week: (3) beat Charlotte, 54-26. This week: at N. Texas, Friday night. FYI: USF faces a 5-0 Greenies squad but man it’s a soft 5-0. Their four FBS opponents are a combined 6-11. The Bulls will probably 6-1 and Memphis 7-0 when those two teams meet in three weeks.
The pick: Bulls 33, Mean Green 22.
3. Florida Gators (2-3)
Last week: (5) beat Texas, 29-21. This week: at Texas A&M. FYI: Good Lord, is Aggies coach Mike Elko trying to get Billy Napier fired? His description of the Gators — “I think Florida's by far and away the most talented team that we've played this year” — can’t help Billy’s cause, regardless of what’s about to happen again this week. You heard me.
The pick: Gators 23, Aggies 22.
Billy Napier when his job is at risk pic.twitter.com/yafMH6aO8A
— Old Row Sports (@OldRowSports) October 4, 2025
4. Florida State Seminoles (3-2)
Last week: (2) lost to Miami, 28-22. This week: Pitt at home. FYI: A 3-2 FSU falls behind a 2-3 Florida here? Remember, we're big on current trends around here. Pitt embarrassed BC last week (very current) but BC is horrible (also current) and, frankly, it’s been 40-some years since you could trust Pitt. You also can’t trust FSU right now. So don’t trust this …
The pick: ’Noles 30, Panthers 20.
Opponent Uniform Preview: Pitt Panthers 😼
— FSU Uniform Tracker (@NolesUnis) October 8, 2025
It's been almost a decade now since Pitt switched back to its true colors. These really are some modern classics. One of the better looking teams in the ACC and all of CFB. Just like FSU though, no need for the white helmets. pic.twitter.com/ktK4gGim0Q
5. UCF Knights (3-2)
Last week: (4) lost to Kansas, 27-20. This week: at Cincinnati. FYI: Not saying this whole storm-the-field thing is out of control, but Cincy’s student body poured out of the stands last week after the win over Iowa State. You heard me: Iowa State. Saturday, it’ll just be a few high-fives and several bro-hugs.
The pick: Bearcats 35, Knights 20.
UCF fans trying to get hype for Cincinnati: pic.twitter.com/K8AYkglRHX
— 𝐊𝐍𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐁𝐎𝐘 ⬛️🟨 (@NBAKNIGHTBOY) October 6, 2025
6. FAU Owls (2-3)
Last week: (7) beat Rice, 27-21. This week: UAB at home. FYI: Last week’s win was a good one and this week’s win is kinda expected and there might not be many opportunities left after this week.
The pick: Owls 34, Blazers 17.
7. FIU Panthers (2-3)
Last week: (6) lost to UConn, 51-10. This week: off. FYI: Heaven forbid we go a night or two without football. Conference-USA has started its Wednesday night games this week and next week includes three games on Tuesday, including FIU-Western Kentucky. The Panthers go Tuesday, Tuesday and Wednesday the next three weeks.
— Email Ken Willis at [email protected]
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Miami, FSU split apart in Florida football rankings as Gators climb
Category: General Sports
