College football analyst Greg McElroy has officially ranked Miami vs. Florida as the No. 6 non-conference game of the 2025 college football season. With potential playoff implications on the line, McElroy explained on his show, Always College Football, why the in-state rivalry is more than just fireworks and is also a defining moment for both programs.
Greg McElroy's reasoning
Miami and Florida haven’t met annually since 1987, but when they do, it’s electric. Miami holds a slim 30‑27 edge overall. The rivalry has been competitive but the 2024 meeting saw Miami dominate, defeating Florida 41–17 in Gainesville. Despite the outcome from last year, the upcoming edition has just as much hype.
Scheduled for September 20, the matchup lands later in the non-conference slate and is not anchored in Week 1 or Week 2. McElroy emphasized the timing: both teams will be battle-ready, equipped with a few contests under their belts, and loaded with resume-building potential.
McElroy highlighted Miami’s 2024 victory, citing how Cam Ward asserted himself early, and how Florida countered with DJ Lagway’s late surge. This game doesn’t just settle a rivalry, it is also noticed through recruiting pipelines especially as both teams compete for dominance in the Sunshine State.
Miami’s 2025 non-conference lineup heats up early with Notre Dame (Aug. 31), while Florida opens with LSU in Week 2, but McElroy noted that the in-state matchup stands apart.
For Miami coach Mario Cristobal, this game is a chance to solidify the program as a true playoff contender, behind transfer QB Carson Beck. Depending on what happens in the matchup against Notre Dame, it will be crucial for Miami to either build off a major win or rebound from a tough Week 1 loss. For Florida, it presents a high-reward opportunity to bounce back and prove their mettle after last year’s loss.