Paul Finebaum expresses doubt in Florida's ability to go on run to College Football Playoff in 2025

ESPN’s Paul Finebaum expressed some doubt regarding Florida and the College Football Playoff this season. Despite Billy Napier pushing the right buttons and seemingly pointing the Gators into the right direction, 2025 is going to be tough.

It starts with QB DJ Lagway, who has his own injury concerns. Not only that, Florida’s schedule is brutal once again, and perhaps even tougher than 2024 according to Finebaum.

If Lagway is at his best, then Florida will have a chance. But as Finebaum pointed out, everyone’s on edge waiting for a positive update on the starting quarterback.

“There are two issues. One is the quarterback, DJ Lagway, and the second is the schedule,” Finebaum said on SportsCenter. “Lagway is great. He’s expected to be one of the best players in the country, but this spring, he has participated in droves, but he hasn’t thrown. He has a shoulder injury, and they’re being very careful. The family decided to let it rest, let it rehab, instead of going in and doing surgery, and there are a lot of nervous nellies in Gainesville about what he’s going to look like when the summer and fall camp begins.” 

Leading into Florida’s game against Georgia, the schedule does the Gators no favors. It’s basically the same as last year but the road games are brutal for Napier and crew.

“But here’s the real problem, not Long Island, that’s one of the easiest openers in history,” Finebaum said. “But look at that schedule at LSU, at Miami, Texas, Mississippi State, (at) Texas A&M, all of those before you even get to Georgia. That’s the issue, those road (games). It’s the same schedule it was last year, except it’s more difficult because of the road schedule. I really don’t see how this Florida team can make the playoffs, I know there’s optimism, but the key is Lagway and negotiating that brutal, it’s the toughest schedule in the country.”

Florida has not made the College Football Playoff since the CFP’s inception. There have been years where they were in contention, but have yet to participate.

The 12-team playoff is a beneficiary to more teams and Florida could be in that group in 2025. Heck, the schedule sets up for high quality wins to build a resume. But that could also mean three or more losses for the Gators, keeping them on the outside looking in.