Billy Napier receives major warning as CFB analyst reveals worst case scenario for Florida Gators

Billy Napier will be in the spotlight entering his fourth year as Florida's coach in the 2025 season. There is pressure mounting on Napier to deliver success with the Gators.

On Tuesday's episode of ESPN's "Always College Football" show, college football analyst Greg McElroy has projected the worst-case scenario for the team next season.

"The worst-case scenario is that DJ Lagway, who had an offseason shoulder injury, who has been limited throughout spring, is on a pitch count currently. "The worst case scenario is that he's not 100%, that he's not available every single week throughout the season. If those things don't happen, that's a huge problem. I don't think this team can overcome an injury at QB like they were able to last year."

In the 2024 season, Graham Mertz played in just five games before picking up a season-ending ACL tear playing against Tennessee. He was replaced by Lagway for the rest of the season.

According to reports, Lagway is still limited in practice this offseason. However, he still has two more months to recover from his injury before the 2025 season begins.

McElroy also said that the Gators will need to work through their challenging schedule, which ESPN ranks as the toughest in college football.

UF will kick off its 2025 season against LIU on Aug. 30

Billy Napier's Florida lands commitment from Javarii Luckas as part of Class of 2026

NCAA Football: Florida Gators HC Billy Napier - Source: Imagn

Billy Napier's Florida landed a commitment from three-star offensive tackle Javarii Luckas on Tuesday. The Glades Central High School OT visited UF earlier this year and is expected to join the Gators in 2026.

“Like I said about the development at Florida,” Luckas told Gators Online earlier this month. “I love that. They are good at getting those underdog types to the NFL. That’s why they’re the top one for me. I want to be at a school that can develop O-line to the NFL, and Florida is good at that. My cousin [Kelvin Taylor] went there, so that’s another reason too.”

Luckas reportedly chose Florida over offers from West Virginia, USF and other programs.

Across three years, Napier has compiled a 19-19 record at Florida. It will be interesting to see how he leads the Gators in the 2025 season.

Edited by Brad Taningco