Here’s a paraphrased version of the article:
The average summer temperature in Gainesville, Florida, exceeds 90 degrees.
But that’s nothing compared to the heat Florida Gators football coach Billy Napier is feeling.
Napier is facing a lawsuit worth millions from former Florida quarterback recruit and current Georgia Bulldog Jaden Rashada, who alleges Napier didn’t fulfill a promised NIL deal.
However, it’s the Gators’ poor performance in Napier’s two seasons as head coach that’s really putting him in a tough spot.
Under Napier, Florida has a record of 11-14.
That’s worse than the first two seasons of Ron Zook, Will Muschamp, Jim McElwain, and Dan Mullen—each of whom was hired since 2002 and fired after three or four seasons, but none had more than one losing season.
For instance, McElwain started with a 19-8 record in 2015 and 2016, but was let go after a 4-7 season in 2017, leaving with a 22-12 record.
Napier needs 11 wins this season to match McElwain’s total from three seasons.
However, this seems unlikely, though Napier might avoid being the first Florida coach since Thomas Lieb (1942, 1944-45) to suffer three consecutive losing seasons.
To accomplish this, Napier has been actively using the transfer portal, making changes to his coaching staff, and has secured five-star quarterback prospect DJ Lagway from Willis, Texas.
This has given Napier some hope. “We’ve made changes on the staff, and certainly, we’ve added some really good pieces,” Napier said during spring drills. “Now, we also return a ton of production at all three levels, as well. So, I think it’s a combination of experience, some new leadership, some new voices there, and then I think a little bit better detail, discipline, accountability. I think we’ve got players that are taking ownership.
“So, I’m hopeful some of the new pieces will work, but also, we’ve got confidence in the leadership change and some of the philosophies here.”
All these concrete and intangible aspects will likely be essential as Napier steers through a tough schedule, which includes six opponents who ended last season ranked between No. 3 and No. 17.
Florida has been heartened by sixth-year quarterback Graham Mertz’s play. He’s been capable of amassing yardage, but his history of interceptions has been troubling. Nevertheless, last season he threw only three.
If he struggles in any way, Napier probably won’t hesitate to bring in Lagway. At the very least, the Gators plan to use Lagway in special packages.
The Gators have a solid, if not spectacular, group of running backs. They also brought in productive receivers Elijhah Badger and Chimere Dike via the transfer portal to complement emerging star Eugene Wilson III.
However, the offensive line last season was average at best. Three starters return, but is that a good thing? Both starting guards from 2023 transferred out, but tackle Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson transferred in from San Diego State.
Defense is also a major concern.
Last season, the Gators allowed more than 30 points in six games. Five of those ended in losses.
Cornerback Jason Marshall Jr. is expected to contend for All-SEC recognition, but last season, eight defensive players, including starters Princely Umanmielen, Jalen Kimber, Miguel Mitchell, Jaydon Hill, and Scooby Williams, transferred.
Montrell Johnson Jr. gained 100 yards and scored a touchdown on 22 carries in a 41-24 Gator victory at Kyle Field in 2022.
The 2023 record is 5-7, with a 3-5 record in the SEC.
The Gators are solid in various positions, but their running backs are of a high standard. Montrell Johnson Jr. is back after rushing for 817 yards and scoring five touchdowns in 2023. Treyaun Webb, a sophomore, was a solid runner and receiver in his first year. And in 2024
