Looks like the storm clouds over the swamp have finally parted, and Florida is breathing easier. As Billy Napier’s squad clawed through a brutal SEC gauntlet, finishing 8-5 — a record that felt more like a statement than survival. The spark? DJ Lagway. Despite battling injuries, the freshman quarterback revitalized the offense, potentially saving Napier’s job. Now Lagway’s return, coupled with recent advancements, might finally give coach Napier his long-awaited redemption.

We all saw how Billy Napier and the Florida Gators were getting bashed back and forth for their weak gameplay last season. But their 4 back-to-back wins against Ole Miss, LSU, FSU, and Tulane are what kept their hopes alive. Even Brent Rollins says the same while talking about their performance last season. “I didn’t think he’d be here. I thought the schedule would doom them and would doom him in his job status, but it didn’t, and they found themselves, and they found some victories.”

In addition, Billy Napier has doubled down on his commitment to Florida, bringing in Nick Polk and Benjamin Elsner to shore up the program’s weaknesses. Polk, a veteran in the NFL, will oversee NIL and roster management, with Elsner providing analytics and AI support expertise. This strategic move is not just about making hires, but about strategic planning.

But Florida’s 8-5 record doesn’t fully reflect their performance as they were competitive in most of their losses. Even David Pollack acknowledges a team that hit its stride late in the season, securing four consecutive victories, including a significant win against Ole Miss that prevented them from entering the playoffs. The outcome of their loss to Georgia could have been different if DJ Lagway had stayed healthy.

Moreover, unlike Florida State, Billy Napier’s team did not give up easily. Having beaten LSU and nearly defeating Tennessee in overtime, Napier’s team has dramatically improved, moving from a team considered finished to a significant threat within the SEC. Plus, now that DJ Lagway is finally making his way to the next season, things look pretty one-sided for them.

DJ Lagway turning out to be Billy Napier’s hidden gem

Well, Billy Napier’s coaching job is on the line; it’s not just about wins. With a $51.8 million contract at stake, performance is key; otherwise, Florida will readily seek other options. It seems he’s finally found his star player in DJ Lagway. Just ask David Pollack, who put it bluntly: “Next year he’s got DJ Lagway like you they looked good on the line of scrimmage last year on the offensive line they had an identity on offense Lagway showed scrambling Big Arm toughness you know getting hurt and coming back so I think the expectations for Florida’s going to be really high.” In short, Napier’s future in Gainesville now rides on Lagway’s shoulders.

So far, Lagway has been a game-changer for Florida. He quickly elevated the offense, showcasing his impact. However, his injury history and durability are crucial factors that will determine Billy Napier and Florida’s success this season. The Georgia game highlighted this, as Lagway’s injury shifted the game’s momentum.

Even, ESPN has recognized Florida’s potential by ranking them 18th in their Way-Too-Early Top 25 for 2025. This ranking reflects high expectations for the team. To fulfill these expectations, Billy Napier and Lagway must collaborate effectively and make strategic adjustments so that things might not turn as weird as their game against Miami.

Just ask Miami’s defensive coordinator, Lance Guidry. He bluntly criticized Billy Napier’s predictable play-calling, and it proved to be accurate. Defenses quickly caught on, and Florida suffered the consequences. If Napier truly aims to unleash Lagway’s potential, he must make significant changes. It’s crucial to move away from basic strategies and eliminate any patterns that make it easy for defenses to anticipate. It’s time to innovate – otherwise, another season might slip away from his grasp.