Billy Napier sees a way to weather the SEC storm through DJ Lagway

Florida residents frequently demonstrate the ability to endure through storms.

None, however, may be more resilient in a storm than Florida Gators football coach Billy Napier.

When it rains and pours, and early last November, Napier was caught in a torrential downpour of criticism and calls for his ouster.

The Gators, who had endured two previous losing seasons under Napier, were 4-5 after a blowout at Texas and appeared to be heading for another futile campaign.

But then the Gators upset LSU and Ole Miss. They followed with an easy victory over arch rival Florida State. They finished the season with a lopsided bowl victory over Tulane.

Just when it appeared Florida couldn’t win, Napier found a way. Actually, it was a Lagway.

The emergence of then-freshman quarterback DJ Lagway was a major factor in Florida’s late-season surge.

It’s also a major reason some project the Gators in 2025 to have their best season since they went 11-2 under Dan Mullen in 2019.

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DJ Lagway played against Texas A&M on Sept. 14, but the Aggies held the rookie to just 54 yards passing and minus-20 rushing yards.

But that’s assuming shoulder and “lower body” injuries don’t compromise Lagway’s ability. Lagway was limited in spring football. He participated in five plays during the annual spring game but did not throw a pass.

However, Napier appeared unconcerned in a post-spring game press conference.

“DJ is great,” Napier said then. “He'll start throwing here in a couple of weeks. Just, in general, very positive there. The lower body stuff is good, and I think he's been able to do that. And I think we're working on him, just kind of getting him in position for the next step. But in general, there are a lot of positives. Everything's on schedule.”

Though much of the optimism for Florida is based on Lagway, there are other reasons to expect the Gators to improve on last year’s 8-5 finish.

The offensive line is big, physical and experienced. Receiver Eugene Wilson III has big-play ability. So does running back Jadan Baugh, who led Florida with 673 rushing yards and seven touchdowns last season.

There is more uncertainty on defense.

Last season, the Gators were ranked 15th in the SEC in total defense. They struggled against the run.

But they allowed no more than 17 points in each of their four closing victories.

If the Gators continue playing effective defense and Lagway remains healthy, Florida just might take the Southeastern Conference by storm.

Florida Gators

2024 record: 8-5; 4-4 in the SEC

Primary area of strength: Four starters are back in the offensive line. Two of them — left tackle Austin Barber and center Jake Slaughter — are expected to be among the top players in the nation at their positions. Depth is good for a change, too. Napier is a run-oriented guy. With an above-average line and a really nice group of running backs, he should lean on the running game even more.

Primary area of concern: Lagway’s health is worrisome. He basically did not throw during spring practice. He did play in the spring game, but it was for five plays and all were handoffs.

Top returners

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  Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

  Austin Barber was given a 70.0 run block grade according to PFF in 729 offensive snaps.
  LT Austin Barber: A big, physical mauler in the run game, he is also solid in pass protection. Some projections list him as a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
• DL Tyreak Sapp: Productive high-effort guy that can play anywhere along the line of scrimmage. He even lines up at nose tackle in passing situations. Sapp posted 47 tackles and seven sacks last season.
• QB DJ Lagway: Extremely high ceiling and good floor, too. Strong arm, excellent mobility and high football IQ. If healthy, he could be one of the best quarterbacks in the SEC.

Key additions

• WR Dallas Wilson: The big, physical four-star prospect had a strong showing in the spring.
• S Lagonza Hayward: Hayward is a four-star prospect. He’s being counted on to provide much-needed depth in the secondary.
• EDGE: Jayden Woods: Another four-star freshman prospect. Reportedly, Woods had a good showing in the spring. He figures to see time in situational pass-rushing packages.

Key losses

• NT Cam Jackson: Massive guy (6-foot-6, 360 pounds) who excelled in run defense. He could’ve returned, but opted for the draft. He was taken in the fifth round by Carolina.
• P Jeremy Crawshaw: Seriously, this is a significant loss. A sixth-round selection of the Denver Broncos, he averaged 45.7 yards per attempt last season. He had 19 punts of 50 yards or more. He killed 25 inside the 20-yard line.
• CB Jason Marshall Jr.: Basically a four-year starter who was drafted in the first round by Miami. Strong in pass coverage and run support. Broke up four passes in 2024.

2025 Florida Schedule

• Aug. 30 vs. Long Island
• Sept. 6 vs. South Florida
• Sept. 13 at LSU
• Sept. 20 at Miami
• Oct. 4 vs. Texas
• Oct. 11 at Texas A&M
• Oct. 18 vs. Mississippi State
• Oct. 25 vs. Georgia (at Jacksonville)
• Nov. 8 at Kentucky
• Nov. 15 at Ole Miss
• Nov. 22 vs. Tennessee
• Nov. 29 vs. Florida State