The rivalry between Florida football and Miami is back. At least to open the 2024 college football season.
For the first time since 2019, two programs that missed only one year in their annual series from 1938 to 1987 will square off when the Gators host No. 19 Miamiat 3:30 p.m. Saturday in Gainesville. It will mark the 57th all-time meeting between the two programs, with the Hurricanes lead the all-time series 29-27.
Both teams are entering important, make-or-break years under their respective coaches. The Gators are 11-14 in the first two years under Billy Napier, while Miami is 12-13 in the first two under Mario Cristobal. Florida experienced its third straight losing season, going 5-7 in 2023, while the Hurricanes are coming off a 7-6 season.
Watch Florida-Miami live with Fubo (free trial)
Miami is led by transfer quarterback Cam Ward and is ranked No. 19 in the preseasonUS LBM Coaches Poll's preseason top 25. Florida is led by quarterback Graham Mertz, who is in his second year with the Gators following a transfer from Wisconsin.
Here's what to know on how to watch Florida and Miami continue their rivalry on Saturday, including kick-off time, TV channel and streaming options and the Gators' 2024 schedule:
REQUIRED READING:Five new faces that could impact Florida football's success in 2024
What channel is Florida football vs. Miami on today?
- TV channel:ABC
- Streaming options:ESPN app | ESPN+ |Fubo (free trial)
The in-state rivalry matchup between Florida and Miami is set to be broadcast on ABC with Joe Tessitore (play-by-play), Jesse Palmer (color analyst) and Katie George (sideline reporter) on the call.
The game can also be streamed on the ESPN app with log-in credentials from your TV provider, on ESPN+, or on Fubo, which carries the ESPN family of networks and offers a free trial to select users.
Florida vs Miami time today
- Date:Saturday, Aug. 31
- Time:3:30 p.m. ET
The Gators and Hurricanes kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 31, from Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville.
Florida vs Miami predictions, picks, odds
Sports Chat Place: Miami covers against Florida
"What has Florida proven to make us bet them, even at home against this Miami team? Nothing, and that’s why we won’t. Cam Ward has raised the expectations for this Miami team, and I think they are going to live up to them this season. This Florida defense still isn’t good, and Cam Ward is going to have a field day with it. Mertz is going to get his season off to a slow start for Florida, and Miami is going to get the job done. Back the Hurricanes to win this game and cover the spread."
CBS Sports: Miami (-2.5)
"If there's a place to exploit Miami, it's likely in the secondary after the Hurricanes lost three NFL draft picks from their defensive backfield. However, downfield passing was not Florida's strength last season, and there's no reason to believe that will change in Week 1. The 'Canes are rock solid up front on both sides of the ball and should be able to emerge as the more physical team in a relatively even matchup. Pick: Miami -2.5"
Athlon Sports: Florida 27, Miami 24
"This is one of the toughest games in Week 1 to get a read on. On paper, Miami is the better team. But will all of the 'Canes new pieces come together by the opener? Florida's defense needs to show marked improvement for Napier's team to make a significant jump in the win column. The Gators still have some issues on that side of the ball in this one, but Mertz delivers a couple of clutch drives in the second half, while the homefield advantage of the Swamp is the difference in a close one."
Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Thursday, Aug. 29:
- Spread:Miami -2.5
- Over/under:54
- Money line:Miami (-145) | Florida (+120)
Florida football schedule 2024
- Saturday, Aug. 31:vs. No. 19 Miami | 3:30 p.m. |ABC (Fubo) |ESPN+
- Saturday, Sept. 7:vs. Florida A&M | 6 p.m. |ACC Network+/ESPN+
- Saturday, Sept. 14:vs. Ball State | 3:30 p.m. |ACC Network (Fubo)
- Saturday, Sept. 21:at South Florida
- Friday, Sept. 27:vs. Virginia Tech* | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN (Fubo)
- Saturday, Oct. 5: at Cal*
- Saturday, Oct. 12:BYE
- Saturday, Oct. 19:at Louisville*
- Saturday, Oct. 26: vs. No. 10 Florida State*
- Saturday, Nov. 2: vs. Duke*
- Saturday, Nov. 9:at Georgia Tech*
- Saturday, Nov. 16:BYE
- Saturday, Nov. 23:vs. Wake Forest*
- Friday, Nov. 29:at Syracuse*
*Denotes SEC game
Miami football schedule 2024
- Saturday, Aug. 31:at Florida | 3:30 p.m. |ABC (Fubo) |ESPN+
- Saturday, Sept. 7:vs. Samford | 7 p.m. |SEC Network+/ESPN+
- Saturday, Sept. 14:vs. No. 20 Texas A&M* | 3:30 p.m. |ABC (Fubo) |ESPN+
- Saturday, Sept. 21:Florida vs. Mississippi State* | Noon
- Saturday, Sept. 28:BYE
- Saturday, Oct. 5:vs. UCF
- Saturday, Oct. 12:at No. 15 Tennessee*
- Saturday, Oct. 19:vs. Kentucky*
- Saturday, Oct. 26: BYE
- Saturday, Nov. 2:vs. No. 1 Georgia* (Jacksonville) | 3:30 p.m. |ABC (Fubo)
- Saturday, Nov. 9:at No. 4 Texas* | Noon |ABC (Fubo)
- Saturday, Nov. 16:Florida vs. No. 12 LSU*
- Saturday, Nov. 23:vs. No. 6 Ole Miss* | Noon
- Friday, Nov. 29:at No. 10 Florida State*
* Denotes ACC game
We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.
