The anticipation for the 2025 Florida Gators football season has reached new heights as the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and university officials have officially announced the kickoff times for several key matchups. With a challenging schedule ahead, the Gators are set to face a mix of conference rivals and non-conference opponents in what promises to be a thrilling campaign under head coach Billy Napier. The announced times provide fans with the opportunity to plan ahead, ensuring packed stadiums and electric atmospheres for every game.
Florida’s season opener will take place on August 30, 2025, against the Miami Hurricanes in a highly anticipated in-state showdown at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. The game is scheduled for a 7:30 PM ET kickoff and will be broadcast on ABC, marking a primetime spotlight for the Gators. This rivalry renewal always delivers drama, and with both programs looking to make early statements in the 2025 season, the night game setting will only amplify the intensity.
The following week, Florida hits the road for a noon ET matchup against USF at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. While not as high-profile as the Miami clash, this game is crucial for the Gators to build momentum before diving into the heart of their SEC schedule. An early kickoff in the Florida heat will test the team’s conditioning, but Napier’s squad will aim to handle business efficiently.
The SEC slate begins in Week 3 with a marquee home game against the Tennessee Volunteers on September 13. The kickoff is set for 3:30 PM ET on CBS, a traditional timeslot for major SEC showdowns. The Gators have had recent success against the Vols, and with both teams expected to be in the conference title conversation, this early-season clash could have significant implications.
One of the most intriguing games on the schedule comes in Week 4 when Florida travels to face the Mississippi State Bulldogs on September 20 at 7:00 PM ET on ESPN. The hostile environment in Starkville has been a challenge for many SEC teams, and the Gators will need to bring their best to avoid an early stumble in conference play.
October opens with a massive home game against the Kentucky Wildcats on October 4 at 4:00 PM ET on SEC Network. Kentucky has emerged as a consistent contender in the SEC East, making this a must-win for Florida if they hope to stay in the division race. The mid-afternoon kickoff should provide perfect football weather in The Swamp.
The annual showdown with the Georgia Bulldogs in Jacksonville is set for November 1 at 3:30 PM ET on CBS. This game needs no introduction, as it often decides the SEC East champion. The neutral-site battle is one of college football’s greatest rivalries, and with both teams expected to be ranked, the 2025 edition could be another classic.
Other notable kickoff times include a noon ET home game against Vanderbilt on October 18, a 7:30 PM ET road trip to LSU on October 25 (broadcast on ESPN), and the regular-season finale against Florida State in Tallahassee on November 29 at 7:00 PM ET on ABC. The Seminoles rivalry is always a heated contest, and with playoff implications potentially on the line, this year’s matchup could be one for the ages.
The announcement of kickoff times allows fans to start preparing for what should be an unforgettable season. From primetime openers to historic rivalries, the 2025 schedule is packed with opportunities for the Gators to prove themselves on the national stage. With a mix of young talent and experienced leaders, Florida football is poised for a memorable year—and now, fans know exactly when to tune in.
As the countdown to August 30 begins, the excitement in Gainesville is palpable. The Swamp will once again be the center of college football’s biggest moments, and with these kickoff times set, the stage is officially ready for Florida’s 2025 campaign.
