As Florida football kicks off its fourth spring under Billy Napier, the pressure is at an all-time high. The Gators have been mired in mediocrity since he took over, failing to live up to the program’s championship expectations. With a brutal 2024 schedule looming and fans growing restless, this spring camp could be the defining moment of Napier’s tenure. Here’s what to watch for as Florida attempts to avoid another season of irrelevance.
1. Is DJ Lagway Ready to Take Over?
Florida fans have been waiting for a true star at quarterback since Kyle Trask left. Graham Mertz has been serviceable but unspectacular, and his return for 2024 signals more of the same—unless five-star freshman DJ Lagway can shake things up.
The hype around Lagway is massive, and if he flashes early in spring practice, there will be a full-blown quarterback controversy in Gainesville. Napier can’t afford to keep a game-changing talent on the bench if Lagway proves ready to lead the team. If the offense sputters under Mertz, the calls for the freshman to start will grow deafening.
2. Will Napier Finally Get Out of His Own Way?
One of the biggest criticisms of Napier has been his insistence on running the offense himself. His old-school, methodical approach has frustrated fans, especially in an era where explosive offenses dominate college football.
The Gators ranked 78th in scoring offense last season, an unacceptable number for an SEC program. Napier has brought in former Troy offensive coordinator Joe Craddock, but will he actually let him call plays? If Napier keeps his grip on the offense and it continues to stall, his job security could take a serious hit.
3. Is Austin Armstrong the Right Defensive Coordinator?
Florida’s defense has been a disaster over the past few years, ranking near the bottom of the SEC in almost every major category. Napier’s hire of Austin Armstrong as defensive coordinator was supposed to fix things, but the unit remained inconsistent in 2023.
Now, with a full offseason to implement his system, there are no more excuses. The Gators need to show significant improvement, especially against the run. If the defense gets shredded in spring scrimmages, it will be a troubling sign for the fall.
4. Does This Team Have Enough Talent?
The elephant in the room is whether Florida has the talent to compete with the SEC’s elite. Napier has recruited well on paper, but the roster is still a step behind Georgia, Alabama, and LSU.
The transfer portal era means there’s no excuse for a slow rebuild. Programs like Florida State and Ole Miss have used it to reload quickly, while the Gators have struggled to land game-changing players. If the spring depth chart doesn’t show clear improvements, it’s a sign that Napier’s roster management is failing.
5. Will Napier Survive Another Mediocre Year?
The reality is simple: Florida football does not tolerate mediocrity. Dan Mullen was fired after one down season, yet Napier has survived back-to-back losing years. The schedule is brutal in 2024, with matchups against Georgia, LSU, Texas, and Florida State, meaning another 6-6 (or worse) finish is very possible.
Spring practice is Napier’s chance to prove that this program is moving in the right direction. If there are signs of the same problems—bad offensive execution, a porous defense, and uninspired coaching decisions—fans and boosters will have every reason to push for a change.
Final Verdict: Spring Camp Is Napier’s Last Stand
Billy Napier can’t afford another year of excuses. The honeymoon is over, and Florida fans demand results. Spring practice will set the tone for 2024, and if the Gators don’t look significantly better, Napier’s seat will become scorching hot before the season even starts.
If Florida struggles again this year, the decision will be clear: It’s time to move on.