Mullen’s recruiting is a significant upgrade over what UF was getting under Mac and will continue to improve as he goes. Florida is dropping 2 billion, yes 2 billion into facilities over the next several years with the emphasis on football. Florida is basically saying, “y’all want an arms race on facilities, we’re in and we’re taking it to a unprecedented level.” UF’s rival fans act like Florida is getting nobody in recruiting, when the fact is Mullen is reeling in plenty of outstanding players, and will have back-to-back top 10 classes when it’s all said and done. All these alleged recruiting struggles yet Florida’s 2020 class is ranked 8th right now nationally and 4th in the SEC behind Bama, UGA and LSU. And with a great season and some serious talent still considering UF strongly, UF could finish with a top 5 class or better.
Mullen took McElwain talent and went 10-3 in year one with a major bowl win. He finished 7th in the country in the final AP (tied with Georgia) and 6th in the final coaches poll (two spots ahead of Georgia). So Mullen finished better than Kirby in YEAR ONE with someone else’s players. And if you look at Kirby’s year 1 at UGA v Mullen’s year 1 at Florida, it’s a totally lopsided win for Mullen. Kirby lost to McElwain that year.
Georgia is in trouble in the East with a resurgent Florida under Mullen and they know it. That’s why Georgia and their fans are so damn nervous and worked-up right now.