The pressure is on as the Gators head into another crucial season. After a solid 8-5 record in the SEC, Billy Napier managed to keep his job, and the Gators made strides in the transfer portal, adding key players like WR J. Michael Sturdivant, kicker Tommy Doman, safety Michael Caraway Jr., and edge rusher Kofi Asare, to boost their offensive game. But the optimism surrounding Napier’s fourth season quickly turned bitter. With spring practices wrapped up and the transfer portal closed, the program’s future feels uncertain. Fans and media now have a clearer picture heading into the summer. USA TODAY’s Blake Toppmeyer ranked the SEC coaches, and unfortunately for Napier, his assessment was far from kind.
Look, Florida chose to stick with Napier instead of hitting the reset button. However, the rise of QB DJ Lagway, paired with his unwavering support for Napier, was key in saving the coach’s job. But by the end of the season, Florida had shown noticeable improvement under his watch. Despite the progress, the Gators were largely quiet in the transfer portal, leaving it feeling like Napier’s squad is still working with old cards. Now, according to Toppmeyer, Napier’s future will ultimately depend on how far Lagway can take them.
Not just Toppmeyer, but SEC insiders are also questioning Billy Napier’s future as head coach this season. On the May 5th episode of the That SEC Football Podcast, SEC Mike and Cousin Shane broke down the 2025 SEC football predictions. During the discussion, Mike laid out Florida’s 2025 schedule, asking Shane, “What are the Gators and Billy Napier going to do this year?” Shane didn’t mince words. His response was direct and filled with skepticism, casting a shadow of doubt on the Gators’ chances. So now, with a challenging schedule ahead, all eyes are on Napier’s ability to prove the critics wrong.
Shane’s perspective, however, was unique. He said, “I think they’re going to surprise a few folks, brother. You know, I was really down on them last year, and they kind of turned it around toward the end of the season, had some really great games. And, you know, I’ve been talking to Florida all summer long, it feels like, and he’s telling me that the Gators are going to the damn playoffs, it feels like, behind the arms of DJ Lagway and this stout Florida Gator football team. But Mike, at the end of the day, you know damn well they’re going to struggle to make a bowl. So, give me six and six, they get in there, miracle win with the Florida State Seminoles, and Billy is retained for yet another season, year five process.” It’s a bold prediction, mixing cautious optimism with a dash of skepticism about the Gators’ path to bowl eligibility.
Well, the Florida Gators have a grueling road ahead this season. They’ll kick things off with Long Island and South Florida at home, before heading to tough matchups at LSU and Miami. After a much-needed bye week, they return home for Texas and Texas A&M, with Mississippi State following soon after. Another bye week comes before the showdown with Georgia in Jacksonville, followed by challenging road games at Kentucky and Ole Miss. On top of that, the Gators finish strong with home games against the Vols and FSU. So, it’s a challenging slate, and the Gators have to be ready to prove themselves.
We all know Napier and his squad battled through one of the toughest schedules in CFB last season, and it looks like this fall’s slate will be no easier. But here’s the thing: the talent returning is no joke. If Florida can rack up another winning record and make a noise in the CFP race, it’ll be a sweet redemption story. Interestingly, by December, the critics might be eating crow. But for now, the Gator Nation is holding its breath, hoping for that breakthrough season.
While Napier’s future hinges on Lagway’s performance this season, this crushing Florida Gators prediction overshadowed DJ Lagway’s big update.
Billy Napier’s QB1 is back with a brutal catch
Florida’s starting QB, DJ Lagway, took a major step forward in his recovery from an offseason shoulder injury. On Monday, he posted a video on his IG story, showing himself throwing the football for the first time since the 2024 season ended. However, the 6-foot-3, 241-pound QB had been sidelined during the Gators’ spring practices, only getting 4 snaps in the spring game, where he handed the ball off each time. But Billy Napier reassured fans that Lagway would be back to full throwing form in just 2 weeks.
Look, before spring drills kicked off, Billy Napier made it clear that DJ Lagway would be limited due to both lower-body and shoulder issues. “Our goal is to be smart with him,” said Napier. Adding, “He’ll be limited in throwing activities, but he’ll take part in everything else.” However, Napier praised Lagway for his toughness and competitive spirit, saying, “He’s been through a lot as a player, but he’s shown incredible resilience and has been a warrior for us.”
Now, Florida’s hopes in 2025 ride heavily on the arm and health of DJ Lagway. The rising star went 6-1 as a starter last season and capped it off by snagging MVP honors in the Gasparilla Bowl win over Tulane. But here’s the catch—if Lagway can’t stay healthy, Billy Napier’s job security and the Gators’ playoff dreams could unravel fast. It’s all in the balance, and Lagway’s durability might be the key to it all.
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