Florida opens as home favorite vs. Florida Atlantic
Florida enters the 2026 opener as the favorite against Florida Atlantic, riding a season-ending win over Florida State into a market that expects points on both sides.
The opener sets the tone
Florida has not kicked off a 2026 game yet, so the record sits at 0-0 with no run to speak of — the only number worth carrying into this week is how last season ended. The Gators closed out 2025 by beating Florida State 40-21, a finish that at least sends them into the offseason and into fall camp on a high note rather than a loss.
That win over the Seminoles was the last game this program played, and it's the only recent form in this file. Nothing here says anything about who's on the roster, who's coaching, or where anyone is ranked — just that last year's team found a way to finish strong against its rival.
Upcoming
Florida is on Saturday, September 5 at 6:45 PM vs. Florida Atlantic, and the market has the Gators as the side to beat. The book expects a high-scoring afternoon at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, with Florida installed as the favorite.
Florida Atlantic brings little recent momentum into Gainesville — its last outing was a 42-3 loss to East Carolina back in 2025. That form, paired with Florida's home-field advantage, is why the odds card below has the Gators favored to open the season.