Florida’s 8-5 file does not meet program requirements, however Gators trending in proper route getting into 2025
Billy Napier do not have mentioned so publicly ahead of the season started, but when it is advisable get him to let down his trainer facade and be fair, you almost certainly may’ve made him admit he’d be pleased with an 8-5 file.
After observing his crew lose house video games to Miami and Texas A&M to start out the yr 1-2, he could have even settled for much less.
Seems, he did not need to. With a dominant 33-8 win over Tulane within the Gasparilla Bowl, Napier’s Gators ended the season on a four-game profitable streak to complete 8-5. That extend integrated a victory over Ole Omit that knocked the Rebels out of playoff competition and a victory over LSU that hammered the overall nail into the Tigers’ disappointing 2024 season.
3 of Florida’s losses got here to groups within the School Soccer Playoff, a proven fact that may sound like comfort to a couple. However in Gainesville, the place the expectancy is to compete for playoff spots, it serves as a reminder of the way a ways this system has to move.
A bowl win over a shorthanded Tulane crew — one lacking key avid gamers, together with beginning quarterback Darian Mensah — does not turn out the Gators are in a position to contend. Nonetheless, there may be much more optimism heading into this offseason than there used to be a yr in the past.
Why am I assured Napier would’ve taken an 8-5 file ahead of the yr started? As a result of Florida went 5-7 final season after completing 6-7 in 2022. Napier entered 2024 with one in every of the most up to date seats within the nation. After a 24-point house loss to Miami and a 13-point defeat to Texas A&M, many assumed his probabilities of making it throughout the season had been narrow — particularly with the again part of the agenda looming.
Issues did not get any more uncomplicated when beginning quarterback Graham Mertz suffered a season-ending harm within the loss to Tennessee. However that misfortune had a silver lining: it opened the door for D.J. Lagway, the five-star freshman and No. 3 recruit within the 2024 elegance. Lagway’s season had its ups and downs, however his skill and possible had been transparent. His dedication to returning subsequent season solidified Napier’s activity safety as smartly.
That steadiness is already paying dividends. Florida closed the early signing length with the No. 11 recruiting elegance within the country and collected key transfers, together with receiver J. Michael Sturdivant, who must upload a treasured deep danger to the passing recreation subsequent yr.
It is only a Gasparilla Bowl win, however the vibes in Gainesville are unmistakably brighter heading into the vacations. This yr, when Gators fanatics want every different a Satisfied New 12 months, they may in fact imply it.