When you have key pieces, you have expectations to deliver. Billy Napier is about to face this situation following the confirmation of DJ Lagway’s $3.8M NIL deal. With this financial tie to the program, analysts are now scrutinizing the HC’s ability to deliver in Gainesville. Besides, the buzz surrounding the expanded 14 or 16-team playoff format could give Florida the upper hand. After all, the structure is supposed to benefit the Big Ten and the SEC, who are slated to receive four automatic bids each. And then there’s the Gators schedule. While many would see it as challenging, it could be a win-win situation for Napier’s team. 

For JD PicKell, a tough schedule doesn’t necessarily derail Florida’s chances of making it to the playoffs in 2025. In a new On3 episode on February 28, he acknowledged the “brutal” schedule of the Gators, who are set to face some tough matchups. Some of them are consecutive road games against LSU and Miami followed by a home SEC game against Texas before hitting the road once more to face Texas A&M. But there’s a silver lining as PicKell pointed out—“I would say though is however hard the schedule is, it also still provides in a weird way some margin for Florida.” A 9-3 season could be enough for Billy Napier to snag a spot in the playoffs. Curious?

“As much as Florida has so many preseason ranked opponents, that could kind of be the advantage for Florida in a bizarre way,” PicKell said. “Florida plays three ranked opponents in the month of November as of right now.” Georgia, Ole Miss, and Tennessee. The goal is not to fall off track early. “If they look the right way, they’re against the right teams, Florida; I don’t think it’s irresponsible to assume they would potentially make the college football playoff,” PicKell added. 

Florida will look for revenge against elite teams like Miami, Texas A&M, Tennessee, Georgia, and Texas in 2024. DJ Lagway already beat Ole Miss and LSU, which sparks hope for the upcoming season. As the Gators navigate a tough schedule, nine wins would underscore their resilience and competitiveness, making a compelling case to the CFP selection committee. And here’s another optimistic outlook for Billy Napier by Locked on Gators Brandon Olsen regarding the playoff expansion. “Because of this expansion, Florida will have a significantly higher chance of making it,” he said. “All you have to do to make it is be top 14 or be top 16.” Can the Gators’ best weapon deliver the expectations? 

DJ Lagway—the $3.8M game changer?

Much of Florida’s 2025 hopes rest on the shoulders of DJ Lagway. The sophomore’s talent is undeniable, and his high paycheck only boosts the expectations. Despite sitting behind Graham Mertz for most of the season, he showed flashes of brilliance when given the chance. He won all six games he started, highlighting his ability to carry his team. 

CFB analyst RJ Young sees the potential saying, “Lagway is doing everything that you want to see that dude do. He can take off and run; he can throw the b— down the field and you trust him right. You’re trusting the freshman to get it done in year one. Year two you’re expecting a leap.” DJ Lagway finished the past season with 1,915 yards, 12 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. He also ran for 101 yards on 50 carries. He also secured an impressive 8.8% throw rate and ranked second in the SEC in yards per attempt (10). Can he up the game this season?

For Billy Napier, 2025 feels like a make-or-break season. With DJ Lagway leading the charge, anything short of a playoff berth will be viewed as a failure. The Gators have the talent, the schedule, and now, thanks to the expanded CFP, the opportunity. It’s all on the line in Gainesville.