Florida Shows Loyalty to Billy Napier for 2025; Gators Train Undrafted Quarterback for Opening Game Against Texas

The athletic director of Florida, Scott Stricklin, provided a lifeline to head coach Billy Napier on Thursday by publicly announcing that he will be returning next season, ending any speculation about a coaching change.

Stricklin stated, \"UF's commitment to achieving excellence and building a championship-caliber program remains steadfast. In these times of change in college athletics, we are dedicated to a disciplined and stable approach that focuses on long-term success for Gator athletes, recruits, and fans.

\"I have full confidence that Billy will rise to the challenges and opportunities ahead. We will work closely with him to support any necessary changes to elevate Gator football. As college athletics continues to evolve, UF is committed to embracing innovation and strategy, ensuring that the Gators thrive in today's competitive landscape.\"

Also see this picks: Pittsburgh Panthers vs. Toledo Rockets Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 26th 2024 Also see this picks: Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Kansas State Wildcats Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 26th 2024

Currently at 4-4, the Gators face a tough road ahead in the SEC with matchups against No. 5 Texas, No. 14 LSU, No. 16 Ole Miss, and their annual rivalry game against Florida State. Napier, who was hired before the start of the 2022 season to replace Dan Mullen, has a record of 15-18 as Florida's head coach.

However, there are complications for Florida if they were to part ways with Napier now, as the university is currently without a president and the head coach has a $20 million buyout.

This Saturday, the Gators will face the Longhorns in Austin, with walk-on Aidan Warner expected to start due to injuries to Graham Mertz and DJ Lagway.

Lagway, who left last week's game against Georgia, is being given every opportunity to recover from a hamstring injury. However, if he is unable to play, Warner, a transfer from Yale, will take the field. In his limited playing time last week, Warner completed 7 of 22 passes with an interception and was sacked twice.

Napier commented on Warner's progress, saying, \"I think he has improved each day and is becoming more comfortable. He has been taking more reps than usual.\"

As for Lagway, who is returning to his home state of Texas, Napier stated that his situation is \"touch and go\" and that he is giving it his best shot. Lagway practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday, and Napier remains hopeful that his leg injury is not as serious as initially feared.

Unfortunately, Mertz will not be able to return this season due to a left knee injury. He shared playing time with Lagway before suffering a ligament tear in a loss to Tennessee last month, ending his college career.

Also see this picks: Arkansas St. Red Wolves vs. Bowling Green Falcons Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 26th 2024 Also see this picks: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs. Vanderbilt Commodores Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 27th 2024

This Saturday's game will only be Warner's fourth appearance in college football. He did not play during his freshman year at Yale and is considered a redshirt freshman after recording 24 career touchdowns in high school.

Lagway, a five-star recruit from Willis, Texas, had an impressive high school career, throwing 58 touchdown passes in his senior year and ending with a total of 129 touchdowns (100 passing). He was named the 2023 National Gatorade Player of the Year, 2023 Bobby Dodd National Back (High School Heisman) of the Year, 2023 MaxPreps Player of the Year, 2023 Elite 11 National High School Quarterback of the Year, and 2023 National Quarterback Club High School Quarterback of the Year.

In the previous game against Georgia, Lagway completed 2 of 6 passes for 47 yards and a touchdown, as well as four rushing attempts for 18 yards before leaving the game. This season, he has completed 56 of 92 passes for 1,071 yards with six touchdowns and five interceptions, and has rushed for 114 yards on 37 carries.

In addition to Lagway, sophomore wide receiver Eugene Wilson III will also be out for the rest of the season. Napier announced that Wilson, the son of former Illinois safety and 2023 Patriots second-round pick, underwent hip surgery on Tuesday and will have a four-month recovery. Wilson had 19 receptions for 266 yards and a touchdown this season.