2023 Record: 5-7 (3-5)
AP Ranking: NR
Head Coach: Billy Napier
The seat is as hot as ever for Billy Napier. It’s not all his fault, but Gator fans still have lofty expectations. Someone needs to break the news to them that they are a bottom half SEC team these days. It may be harsh, but the roster composition is not what it used to be and they are not the best show in Florida. Dan Mullen was run out of town for going 35-16 in four seasons and now Napier is 11-14 in just two seasons at the helm.
Napier’s job lies in the hands of Graham Mertz, who enters his second season at QB after leaving Wisconsin. He won’t be in any Heisman conversations, but you can expect a 70%+ completion percentage and a strong ability to read the field. Unfortunately for Mertz, the offensive line and running game leaves a lot to be desired. Montrell Johnson returns at running back, but his running mate, Etienne, is off to greener pastures. If Mertz has time to throw, the receiving corps is elite and returns everyone except Persall. Arlis Boardingham may be the best pass catching tight end in the country and he’s only a sophomore.
The defense has to find a way to stop a rushing attack. They allowed 150+ yards on the ground in seven games last season. To top it off, they let up an average of 38 points per game in their final five games last season. The front seven has to be better; however it doesn’t help that top linebacker Scooby Williams left for Texas A&M. They do bolster their defense with South Carolina transfer Pup Howard, who had 18 tackles as a true freshman last season for the Gamecocks.
The Gators are fighting an uphill battle and outside of their passing attack, they do not have much to hang their hat on. It projects to be another bowl miss this year and likely a new Head Coach in 2025. Probably what this program needs in the long run.
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