There is perhaps no team in the country with greater momentum than the Florida Gators. After a subpar start to the season, the jury seemed out on head coach Billy Napier. However, fans were pleasantly surprised by the Gators’ turnaround. Expectations were tempered for this season due to their brutal SEC schedule. Plenty of fans simply wanted a winning record, something Napier had yet to provide. Three games into the season, Florida sat at 1-2, with two rather uncompetitive losses. Getting punched in the mouth early, many believed that Florida would have no answers. Even after rattling off some important wins against UCF and Kentucky, they still sat at 4-5. It is here where the Gators began their turnaround. Rattling off four straight wins, they finished with an impressive 8-5 record. Now with talent returning, expectations are rising in Gainesville.
Gators Turnaround
Bowl Win
This week, the Gators wrapped up their 2024 season with a dominant win in the Gasparilla Bowl. Defeating Tulane 33-8, the defense came to play. Quarterback DJ Lagway did have his fair share of freshman struggles. Throwing two interceptions, (one in the red zone), Lagway was clearly hindered by his previous hamstring injury. Rather than choosing to run for yardage, he fired ill-advised passes over the middle of the field. Now the full-time starter, he will have a full offseason to get healthy and clean up on the mistakes. Despite the offensive red zone struggles, the defense was lights out. Putting constant pressure on Tulane quarterback Ty Thompson, he struggled immensely. Even defensive tackle Desmond Watson got in on the fun, as the 450-pounder received a carry in the 4th quarter. A great way to end the season, all eyes will be on Florida moving forward.
Recruiting Stories
Not to be forgotten, the Gators received massive news from a 5-star recruit earlier this week. Top receiver Dallas Wilson was a big target for the Gators down the stretch. Unfortunately, on Early Signing Day, he chose to stick to his prior commitment, the Oregon Ducks. However, reports began to surface that Wilson was in discussions with Oregon and was hoping to get released from his NLI. All signs pointed towards him flipping to Florida upon his NLI release. Taking in the Gasparilla Bowl, he was in attendance and seen talking to Lagway. Now on a visit to the Swamp, this could be the final piece the receiver room needs. If he commits as expected, he will be the Gators’ third highly rated receiver in the 2025 class. After completing an in-season turnaround, it appears that momentum is beginning to build for the Florida Gators.
The Transfer Portal
In this new era of college football, the transfer portal is more prevalent than ever. For the Gators, they are hoping to use it for depth purposes and to fill out some positional groups. Despite all the momentum building, Florida has not been spared by departures. Losing some contributors along the defensive line, much will be expected by those returning. Young players like LJ McCray will now be leaned on heavily in this rotation. Offensively speaking, the receiver was a big need after losing Chimere Dike and Elijhah Badger to the NFL. After weeks of no significant commitments, the Gators finally received some good news. UCLA receiver J. Michael Sturdivant decided to take his talents to Gainesville. With another veteran in that room, receiver could turn into a position of strength. Florida also received good news in the special teams department, with the commitment of Michigan punter, Tommy Doman.
Coaching Changes?
Heading into the offseason, there are some expected coaching changes in Gainesville. Namely, co-defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong has decided to take the same role with the Houston Cougars. Now left with Ron Roberts at defensive coordinator, fans are not too worried. As the season progressed, Roberts was given more reign, and the defense showed significant improvements. Even with the loss of Armstrong, this should be a formidable unit. Offensively, fans are expecting the addition of an offensive coordinator. Currently, head coach Billy Napier controls the play calls. Despite the recent turnaround by the Gators, the playcalling still leaves plenty to be desired. A bit too conservative at times, fans are hoping Napier relinquishes his duties and focuses solely on being a head coach. Now into the offseason, finding this offensive coordinator must be priority number one.
Looking Ahead
This is a pivotal offseason for Florida. After their turnaround, fans of the Gators are now expecting big things in 2025. This team has a chance to be special with Lagway at the helm. Napier still needs some depth along the trenches to attack the transfer portal. Already owning a top recruiting class, fans are hoping for the same success in the portal. A four-game win streak to end the season completed one heck of a turnaround. Now, Florida will be facing another tough schedule. Faced with some tough road trips to Texas A&M and to LSU there will be no weeks off. With his fair share of doubters still, Napier has a chance to send a real message next year. With all the incoming and returning talent, it is not ridiculous to say Florida will compete for a playoff spot.
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