In 2024, Florida football came back with a bang. Despite a rocky start following crushing losses to UMiami and Texas A&M at home, last year couldn’t have gone any better for the Florida Gators. The team finished with an 8-4 regular season record, won their first bowl game since 2019, knocked LSU and Ole Miss out of playoff contention and found new hope in star quarterback DJ Lagway, after Graham Mertz’s season-ending injury. Billy Napier miraculously kept his job, too.
It really couldn’t have gotten much better for the Gators. The team entered the 2025 season with a top-tier recruiting class, Lagway began receiving Heisman buzz, and the Associated Press ranked Florida No. 15 in its week one preseason poll. Fans eagerly awaited their home opener on August 30 versus Long Island University, a FCS team with a 6,000-person stadium.
Fortunately, the Sharks got steamrolled by the Gators in a 0-55 blowout. Florida made 27 first downs compared to LIU’s two (oof), and over 89,000 spectators crowded the Swamp. Thanks to their strong performance, the Gators jumped up to No. 13 in the AP Poll.
Unfortunately, that was the only game they played well.
Florida’s next three games were so bad that it can be said LIU has a more impressive record despite both teams being 1-3 heading into week six, and LIU has a win against a FBS team that the Gators can’t say they have.
Florida’s matchup versus the University of South Florida in week three couldn’t have been any more embarrassing. The Gators held the lead 6-9 at halftime, but once USF scored the first touchdown in the entire game, the tables turned for real. The Gators managed to score a touchdown in the fourth quarter to reclaim the lead 15-16, but racking up 11 penalties throughout the entire game cost them countless opportunities to score more points, and USF kicked a game-winning field goal with seconds left on the clock.
As for their next two games, the Gators didn’t fare any better. Lagway threw five interceptions at the LSU game; he’s never played a game this bad before, which is such a shame considering he has so much talent. And with the UMiami game the following week, there’s not much to say but how the Gators didn’t lead the game at any time, they struggled offensively and, worst of all, lost to an in-state rival by three touchdowns.
Is there any hope for a season turnaround?
If this question were being asked last year, the answer would absolutely be yes. However, that’s not exactly the case. Napier’s not going anywhere… he’ll get $21.7 million if Florida fires him. There’s almost no chance Scott Stricklin would flush so much cash down the drain. This only means there’ll be the same five or so plays being run by the Gators in each game, in addition to barely any offensive improvement.Â
Lagway’s in a boot, expected to return for the Texas game. Maybe it’s the perfect opportunity for Tramell Jones Jr. to step into the spotlight by starting a game. After all, Lagway only got more playing time from Mertz’s injury.
While the players may have improved their skills during a much-needed bye week, there’s still a long road ahead this season. Virtually every opponent left on Florida’s schedule is ranked, excluding Kentucky and Mississippi State, with the latter receiving votes in the AP Poll over the past two weeks. Winning heated rivalry games against Tennessee and Florida State to end the regular season may not even matter if the Gators enter their second-to-last game with a 1-9 record at worst and a 4-6 record at best.Â
It’s a shame to say going 7-3 before playing Tennessee is off the table. A bowl game isn’t really going to be in the cards either. Is there anything left to be hopeful about?
Not really.
As long as this season can retroactively be viewed as a “reset” year, then the Gators will be just fine.