After tumultuous 2023 season, where do Billy Napier and the Gator football program stand now?

by | Dec 27, 2023 | Football

Billy Napier is down, but he’s not out. (Photo credit: Matt Stamey, AP)

As the orange and blue sea descended upon Jacksonville on the final weekend of October, it seemed like everything was well in the world of Gator football.

Florida was 5-2 in Year Two of the Billy Napier era. Even with ugly losses to Utah and Kentucky on the Gators’ resume, it felt like something had shifted two weeks earlier against South Carolina. Down 37-27 with just over nine minutes to go, Florida rallied back and pulled off a daring dinnertime robbery in Columbia as the sun descended behind the South Carolina State Fair.

The Gators had figured things out. The defense had come off the mat and garnered not one but two critical stops with the game on the line. The offense was nearly unstoppable. And yes, maybe you could even say God was smiling on the Gators after Eugene Wilson and Ricky Pearsall teamed up for a second iteration of the Immaculate Reception to save the day.

And two weeks later, in Jacksonville, the game started in a way that validated all those feelings. Wilson caught a simple slant from Graham Mertz, sliced his way through the vaunted Georgia defense and scored to put a heavily favored Georgia team in a 7-0 hole.

Uh-oh! Maybe it wasn’t just a 5-2 start because of an easy schedule. Maybe Georgia wasn’t here to hand Florida a gruesome beatdown to send them back to reality. Maybe Florida- which controlled its own destiny to win the SEC East- was here not just to enter the game with that status, but to leave with that status. We’ve got a game here! Florida is beating Georgia! This could be the real deal.

Fast forward 30 days, and the entire cosmos flipped 180 degrees.

Florida lost that game to Georgia, 43-20, and didn’t win again in 2023. 5-2 was expected to turn into 5-3 with the way Georgia had looked for the past three seasons, so the rest of that day in Jacksonville playing out that way was more or less to be expected. But what was not expected was a five-game losing streak to turn 5-2 into 5-7. Included in those five losses was: a pair of special teams gaffes that paved the way for a defeat to 4-8 Arkansas, the single worst defensive performance in school history in a 52-35 loss to LSU, a 4th and 17 conversion by Missouri to steal that game away, and a blown 12-0 lead against an FSU team that clearly got the worse end of the deal in a battle of the backups.

And that was just the beginning of the damage. The carnage rolled itself out in phases over the ensuing days and weeks. Top recruits decommitted, Florida’s best player in Trevor Etienne exited stage left, and now Florida’s staff is left to try to cobble together some positive momentum- anything, really- to not only salvage this 2024 class, but prove to the 2025 class and beyond that there’s something of value to be had by choosing to play football for the Florida Gators.

So today, I thought it would be worth examining a few questions. How did we get here? Are things really as bad as they seem? And where do the Florida Gators go from here?

How did the Florida Gators get here?

By far the longest answer to those three questions comes with the first one. Because to be blunt, a lot of people are responsible for a lot of different problems.

On our show, the In All Kinds Of Weather Forecast, I often like to do a little segment called “blame pie.” Which is exactly what it sounds like: when something goes horribly wrong, I assign percentages of blame that each person or entity deserves for said thing going horribly wrong. For example- and this is purely a hypothetical- if Graham Mertz is hurried and throws a wounded duck into triple coverage, I might say that it’s 20% his offensive line’s fault for not blocking and forcing the rushed decision, 5% his receiver’s fault for not getting open, another 5% on his coaches for a lazy play design, and 70% Mertz’s fault for not knowing better and not just eating it or throwing it out of bounds. Or something like that.

So, for all that’s gone wrong to this point in time with the Florida Gators football program, on this day in late December 2023, who is to blame for the Gators’ struggles to what extent?

The problems begun with Dan Mullen

The blame has to start with Dan Mullen. I know, I know, he’s been gone for two years now, so go ahead and get your groans out of the way. I know it’s always fashionable to harangue the last guy who got fired and absolve the current guy of blame, because it’s a classic case of psychology called “How Do I Make Myself Feel Better About This Current Situation?”. And trust me, anybody who’s read this far: Billy Napier is not without blame. I promise, we’ll get to that in a minute.

But let’s start with Mullen. Anybody who’s read In All Kinds Of Weather for any period of time knows the in-depth exposé I did on just how bad things were toward the end of his tenure. That piece is still very much alive and well, so feel free to read it again for all the gory details.

The short end of it is that I stand behind every word I wrote in the summer of 2023. While I do think I’ve learned a valuable lesson in what kind of content you’re going to get from people you’re friendly enough with that you more or less know the answers to your questions before you ask them, there were enough people who were involved in the program to speak out that it’s safe to take their accounts as Gospel. That many former players who weren’t really friends with each other saying the same thing makes it a pretty black and white deal. Dan Mullen torpedoed the Florida culture- and recruiting. Maybe not intentionally, maybe he was just being lazy and wanted out, but that was the result of the end of his tenure.

Mullen’s failures on the recruiting trail and in the locker room are going to stand the test of time as the first domino to fall. The catalyst, the first shot to be fired, the first link of the chain reaction, whatever metaphor you want to use, the apathy of Dan Mullen is absolutely a piece of this blame pie. He left Billy Napier with a roster that was, aside from having a top five NFL Draft pick at quarterback, largely devoid of talent, a bad situation on the recruiting trail to boot, and a program that was, by every other objective measure, behind the eight ball. No coach could conceivably have picked up the pieces that Mullen left at Florida and turned it into a national championship contender overnight. Or even in two years.

This, though, is the end of the line for the “It’s Mullen’s fault!” rhetoric. Yes, there is indeed a slice of the blame pie with his name written all over it, but it’s just that: a slice. It’s not half of the pie, it’s not a third, and it’s not even a quarter.

Billy Napier compounded Mullen’s problems by adding his own to the mix

The bulk of the blame for Florida going 6-6 in 2022 and 5-7 in 2023 lies with Billy Napier.

For starters, it was Billy Napier who decided that Billy Napier would serve as the offensive coordinator, that a quality control assistant would serve as a special teams coach, and two offensive line coaches were warranted on his inaugural staff in 2022. The year pretty much played out how we all thought: various roster deficiencies and in-game struggles that resulted from a fairly inexperienced coaching staff plagued the Gators, and yet at the same, enough heart and fight was on display for Florida to slog its way to 6-4. Billy Napier had made some questionable decisions up to that point, although it seemed like things were on schedule in year one of the rebuild.

But it was in that sixth and final win of the 2022 season where the first true fork in the road actually presented itself for Billy Napier. To casual fans, and to those who dislike the idea of nitpicking negatives in a lopsided win, the problem went unnoticed. However, observant fans got their first clue that Napier needed to shift the way things were done in a 38-6 blowout win over South Carolina.

On this day, the Florida Gators displayed one of the most horrifying clinics of what not to do on special teams in program history. In the span of just 60 minutes, Xzavier Henderson fumbled a punt, the entire unit took a nap and watched punter Kai Kroger lob a 48 yard touchdown… after Napier took a timeout, supposedly to alert his team to the possibility of precisely that, Adam Mihalek had one field goal attempt blocked, couldn’t even get his next attempt off the ground as holder Jeremy Crawshaw muffed the snap, Florida’s punt team let Josh Vann get loose for a 37 yard return, and for a grand finale, two different Gators slung Vann to the ground by different parts of his facemask to tack on another 15 yards to his return.

Never mind the fact that Florida won that game 38-6. Billy Napier, always one to evaluate everything, should have reviewed that game tape and gotten a strange feeling of dissatisfaction. Something to the effect of, “Hey. This isn’t good. This needs to be addressed.” Even if Napier wasn’t going to fire Chris Couch- who, remember, is basically a glorified intern- he should have at the very least been more hands-on with the unit to ensure that it would not continue to cost Florida moving forward.

Well, he didn’t. And what happened the very next week was all too predictable: Jason Marshall sprinted backwards to receive a punt in the shadow of his own goal line, but muffed it and Vanderbilt recovered for a touchdown. Also in that game, Mihalek missed an extra point. Handing Vanderbilt a free seven points and being unable to grab that free point for themselves proved to make all the difference in a 31-24 Vanderbilt win.

Savvy fans noticed the problem against South Carolina. By the time Richardson’s desperation heave sailed out of the end zone with zeroes on the clock in Nashville to seal Florida’s second loss to Vandy in a third of a century, it was beyond obvious to anyone with even working knowledge of football that Napier needed to make a change. There was no more debating the point, his experiment of having an intern run the special teams was over. He needed to hire a real special teams coach for 2023.

Which he did not do. Whether he thought that hiring a full-time special teams coach was a waste of a staff spot because it still wasn’t as important as having two offensive line coaches, or whether he thought Chris Couch would oversee drastic improvements in the special teams in 2023, I don’t know.

But either way, by failing to make a change in an area that had consistently let his program down, the fault for failures was thereby transferred from Couch to Napier himself. Much in the same way that the fault for Florida’s defensive ineptitude in 2020 and 2021 shifted from Todd Grantham to Dan Mullen because Mullen refused to fire Grantham, any future special teams screwups would fall on Napier’s shoulders in 2023.

And there was a monsoon of them. Florida allowed four kicks to get blocked in 2023- which only happened to twelve other teams in the FBS. A devastating leaping penalty on a punt against Kentucky by a talented but overzealous freshman could have been pardoned, even as the next play went for a 75 yard touchdown, because it was a hustle play. Far less understandable was when the entire special teams unit sprinted onto the field as the offense was frantically trying to spike the ball to set up a game-winning kick from Trey Smack against Arkansas, which, when pushed five yards back because of the obvious substitution infraction, sailed wide.

But the most incomprehensible special teams blunder of all came in the season opener against Utah, when both Jason Marshall and Eugene Wilson ran onto the field for a punt return play. Both players wear the #3, and you’re only allowed to have one jersey number represented on the field at once. One of the players could have worn a different jersey (Florida has plenty of money in the bank to be able to afford multiple jerseys with different numbers for players), or the coaches- any one of the 150 of them- could have noticed this and yanked Marshall off the field so that Wilson, the primary punt returner, could stay in and do his job. Instead of Florida getting the ball back, the Utes got a free first down, which they converted into seven more points in a game Florida lost 24-11.

Unfortunately, mishandling of special teams is just one area that Billy Napier has failed at as an in-game coach. His decision to burn a timeout with under two minutes to go in his maiden voyage against Utah would have cost Florida dearly had Cam Rising not thrown a pick in the end zone. Going for it on fourth and three, and then again on fourth and six, in his own territory on one of the few instances his defense was playing well the very next week against Kentucky, brazenly failed the “Is this rational?” test. And most infuriatingly of all, Napier- the primary play-caller- failed to ever utilize a hurry-up offense down multiple scores late in games.

But it was Napier’s decision to cease the effective ground attack and have Anthony Richardson throw the ball three straight times on back to back possessions against FSU- when the wide receiver unit was down to Ricky Pearsall and a skeleton crew- that brought the conversation from “let’s agree to disagree on Billy Napier needing an offensive coordinator, reasonable minds can differ” to “this is no longer logical or sane to argue for, Napier needs an offensive coordinator and disagreeing with this is purely nonsensical.” Florida lost that game, 45-38, and yet even as the offense put up 38 points while the defense collectively made a fool out of itself on that night, Napier’s nonsensical play-calling was the cause of death simply because the defense had done that all year and there was no reason to expect any better of it.

And yet, Napier declined to go find an offensive coordinator for 2023, opting instead to give himself another shot at it. Sure enough, Napier calling the plays did more to hurt than help the Gators for a second straight year. On top of his lack of urgency in scenarios that clearly called for it, the Gators would repeatedly “play it safe” or “play for two downs” on anywhere from third and four to third and twelve with simple slash or dive plays on the ground, and of course fail to get the first down.

Even worse than mere “run or pass?” decisions were his play-calls in critical situations. I can live with Kahleil Jackson throwing an interception on a double pass against Vanderbilt because that was just a player making a bad decision when the play wasn’t there- he should have just thrown it away to save face- but it’s some of the other calls where it feels like he’s trying to outcoach himself and prove that he’s the smartest guy in the room that drive me batty. One particularly boneheaded call that comes to mind was a fourth and three shovel pass to Dante Zanders against Utah that was supposed to confuse the Utes’ defense, but took way too long to develop and was stuffed to kill the drive.

Napier, though, saved the worst for last. Up 12-0 with the ball on the FSU 45 and a chance to land an early haymaker, Napier instead dialed up a reverse throwback screen that, to be fair, was probably calculated to do just that. The problem was that there was so much movement and the trickery took so long to develop that the FSU front seven came swarming in and buried Max Brown for a twelve yard loss that killed the drive, and all the momentum.

Perhaps the worst part of the play was the fact that after all the reversing and throwback ball movement, the ball ended up right where the Florida offensive line had purposely maneuvered itself away from, and right where the FSU defensive line was drawn toward. In fairness, the ball was supposed to go to where you had set up that numbers advantage, where Tre Wilson was waiting with six blockers and just three FSU defenders, but planning to get it to where you have a numbers advantage does you no good if you run the play through an unnecessary layover in the death house first.

What still has me puzzled is that I have absolutely no idea how this exact discovery was not made in practice, for the same reason that Boeing mechanics don’t just throw a few hunks of metal together and call it an airplane that’s ready for operations. How could the scout defense not have gotten a free run at the QB, or if they did, how could you not realize the only reason whichever QB was running the offense at the time of the play’s conception was only still standing because of his non-contact jersey?

In any case, the fact that play ever got tested out in a real live game is comfortably sufficient evidence that Napier cannot be trusted to oversee an offense. Worse yet, in a wins-and-losses business, it led to another loss on the field, this one to a rival, and one that secured Florida’s fate of watching bowl games from its couch. And while it’s true that Napier is expected to make changes- changes that could even fix the issues, perhaps- it’s also true that those losses have consequences that Florida is still continuing to pay for.

How bad are things, really?

There were certainly some moments in the 2023 that Gator fans will remember fondly for years to come. The entire 2023 Tennessee game, proving that even Napier could beat the Vols in the Swamp, Ricky Pearsall’s incredible catch against Charlotte, and erasing a 37-27 deficit to shock South Carolina in Columbia are three memories that are not very likely to fade any time soon.

Similarly, the 2023-24 offseason has definitely had some positives. Landing Joey Slackman from Penn was a nice pickup for Florida’s defensive line as part of a 24-hour span that saw three portal commitments and Graham Mertz- who surprised a lot of people with how well he played at QB- is coming back for 2024. Similarly, there is still some top-level talent that will be joining the program in 2024, headlined by five-star QB DJ Lagway and five-star defensive lineman LJ McCray; you could also make the case that wide receiver Jerrae Hawkins, linebacker Myles Graham, tight end Amir Jackson, and offensive tackle Fletcher Westphal are the caliber of players that Florida needs to compete in the SEC.

So I don’t want to make seem as though each and every single thing that could possibly go wrong has gone wrong, because that’s not the case. There were some nice moments in isolation this past year, and there are some specks of light flickering ahead in the future.

But the vision that Gator Nation was sold when Billy Napier first came aboard was that he would recruit, recruit, and recruit. Napier called the sport of college football a “talent acquisition business” and even warned Gator fans that they’d get frustrated with him. The idea was that Napier was everything his predecessor was not: someone who recruited relentlessly, stockpiled talent, and then beat most teams simply because of that talent advantage- and would at least give the Gators a puncher’s chance against the top teams.

Having some nice moments, and seeing some specks of light flickering off in the distance, are not what we signed up for at the 24-month mark of Napier’s tenure. And it’s at this point that the gravity of the current situation must be fully understood. Those specks of light you see way, way off in the distance don’t do you a lot of good at the moment, because this program is currently trapped on a train that’s come off the rails and is now hurtling through the forest in the pitch-black night at over 100 mph. And if it doesn’t run out of steam soon, the derailed train will barrel straight into a stocky tree trunk, creating a massive explosion that will loft a massive cloud of ugly gray smoke skyward, burying the shrapnel of the Florida program beneath it- at which point the painstaking process of rebuilding the Gator football program will have to start all over again from scratch.

Now before everyone gets the idea that this is a full-fledged gloom and doom piece, I also think it’s instructive to point out that there is still a way for Napier to save things here. He did bring in some top-tier talent in this past class, and if he can supplement it with some more strong takes in the transfer portal, he might be able to wiggle out of this mess. Going along with the analogy, he could, in theory, kill the train’s engine and bring it to a halt before it initiates a devastating impact, have it lugged back to the tracks, refitted on the rails, and sent off on its way again. It will not be easy by any means, it’s going to require a lot of work, and he’s probably going to need some luck on top of everything else, but it’s not over for him yet.

However, the problem isn’t merely Billy Napier’s record. It’s the wave of residual effects, i.e. the fallout, from those on-field losses that has me worried about the direction of this program. Because for as good of a recruiter as Napier might be, he can’t undo those losses. And try as he might, they’re starting to cost him some of that elite talent.

Two people I spoke to with knowledge of the situation agreed that Xavier Filsaime, a five-star safety who committed to Florida during the spring game, flipped from Florida to Texas in large part because Texas presented him with a better chance to win. Filsaime may not be an opening-day starter, but the upside is tremendous and he could very well be a first-round NFL Draft pick when it’s all said and done. Florida will fill that roster spot with someone else, but to say that they’ll fill that roster spot with someone of Filsaime’s caliber is a wish at best.

And Filsaime wasn’t the only one to leave the Gators’ class as things were falling apart on the field. A pair of four-star defensive linemen, Nasir Johnson (Georgia) and Jamonta Waller (Auburn) decommitted in November in the midst of Florida’s five-game losing streak, joining programs that, to be frank, have a lot more momentum than Florida right now. On top of that, four-star corner Wardell Mack also abandoned ship in the same week as Johnson and Waller, flipping to Texas where he’ll team up with Filsaime after all.

Now, again, in the interest of being completely fair to Napier and Florida, those are long-term projects. Any or all of those prospects could theoretically bust out, and then it wouldn’t look so bad on the Gators for losing them. Of course, they could all turn out to be All-Americans and high NFL Draft picks, and that could serve as a final nail in Napier’s Florida coffin. The possibilities range between those two extremes; we just don’t know what kind of college players they’ll become.

What we do know is that the departure of explosive running back Trevor Etienne deprives Florida of an elite playmaker. We also know that losing him makes Florida quantifiably worse as a team. And worst of all, we know that losing him to archrival Georgia is the ultimate middle finger to the Gator program.

Etienne, similarly, is widely assumed to have left because he wanted a chance to win something of value in his final year, as well as wanting more carries (which is a different Napier problem, but that’s for another day). In theory, losing a running back in today’s game is not the end of the world because their shelf lives are so short and because there are so many of them. But that line of logic fails to account for the fact that Florida’s offensive line was so bad in 2023 that it took a special running back, one of Etienne’s elite caliber, to mask its deficiencies by breaking tackles and bouncing runs to the outside.

So while it’s true that Montrell Johnson and Treyaun Webb are perfectly fine SEC running backs, it’s also true that neither of them can do what Etienne does. They don’t have that home run ability that can more or less cloak the problems caused by a weak offensive line, and thus need an offensive line to be better than Florida’s was in 2023 to succeed. That means that for Florida to be able to overcome the loss of Etienne, the Gators need to either find another running back as electric as him (which isn’t going to happen) or transform their offensive line from the “terrible” level all the way up to the “very good” if not “great” level.

On the larger scale, losing a playmaker like Etienne is a mere symptom of a much more existential problem. With respect and appreciation to Ricky Pearsall, you don’t see Georgia losing their best player to their most hated rival because they want to win. You don’t see Alabama, or Michigan, or Texas, or Oklahoma have these problems. Players will leave those schools for the transfer portal if there’s a coaching change, or if they aren’t getting enough playing time, or if they made a mistake and were quietly told they had to leave, but you simply don’t see the clear-cut best, most valuable, and most talented player on those teams leaving for the transfer portal because they don’t trust the program to win games.

That’s a problem Illinois has. That’s a problem South Carolina has. That’s a problem Kansas has. That’s a problem that Group Of Five and FCS schools have. The Florida Gators have won three national titles in the last thirty years (and have a strong claim at a fourth in 1984), and yet, at least in the mind of Trevor Etienne, here they are with the same perceived ceiling as Coastal Carolina or Ball State.

So on top of everything else, it’s that perception that Billy Napier has to battle- and he’s essentially going into that battle with a switchblade as the perception fires back with machine guns and grenade launchers. It’s pretty cut and dried. His record is 11-14, and he lost five straight to end 2023.

What’s he supposed to say when recruits or their parents question him about that? What combination of English syllables, even if delivered smoothly and confidently, can convince recruits in the class of 2025 to join his program? The “we’re building something and we want you to be part of it” pitch doesn’t work if you get worse from year one to year two. Even if Billy Napier wants to respond with the diplomatic and charming equivalent of, “well, if you were out there at safety instead of the guy we had, that big play doesn’t happen and we beat Missouri,” and even if the family doesn’t think to bring up Napier’s various instances of in-game mismanagement and put him on the spot about that, the idea of committing to a school for what’s likely either going to be year four of a rebuild or year one of a coaching staff you didn’t commit to really isn’t likely to get too many top prospects to pull the trigger.

So back to the initial question. How bad are things, really? Well: they’re bad, perhaps even outright horrible, but they’re not quite at the point where Billy Napier needs to be looking for a new job. He faces a steep uphill battle to right the ship, and I’d probably even go as far as to say that the odds are that he probably doesn’t make it. But at the top of that hill does lie his safe base, he’s not dead yet, or whatever metaphor you want to choose to illustrate the reality that there certainly is a non-zero percent chance that he can salvage things here and go on to become a successful coach for the Florida Gators.

And for whatever this is worth, because I do like him personally, I’m rooting for him.

Where Do Billy Napier & The Gators Go From Here?

The short answer? Billy Napier has to make the damn changes we all knew he had to make after the 2022 season. Better to make them a year late than never.

For one thing, Napier needs to fill out his staff. Specifically, he needs to remove one of his two offensive line coaches and use that freed-up assistant coaching slot to hire an offensive coordinator, and he needs to appoint a true special teams coach.

The offensive coordinator hire that looms ahead of him will ultimately decide his job. A relatively low-risk, low-reward hire would be Jeff Scott, the longtime Clemson assistant and former USF coach who runs a similar type of offense to what Billy Napier likes to run. Another name that’s garnered some steam is Willy Korn, who holds the same job at Liberty and spent the four years before that as the Coastal Carolina offensive coordinator, where he helped develop QB Grayson McCall and oversaw a tremendously successful offense that scored points in bunches.

The special teams coordinator role is one Napier has some more options with. If he doesn’t want to have to cut another current assistant out of his job, the move could simply come in the form of him adding that role to the current assistant he feels is most qualified to run the special teams. The safer bet would be to go and hire externally- perhaps someone like Robby Discher, a young special teams ace whose unit at Illinois blocked a staggering seven kicks in 2023 (along with two punts on top of that), or maybe Todd Goebbel, who’s overseen a strong overall special teams unit at NC State since 2019.

And then, once Billy Napier makes these hires, he has to trust them enough to stay out of their way and let them do their jobs. Every once in awhile, if Napier thinks he sees a certain look from the defense that he doesn’t believe his OC sees and wants to override his play-call with something that he feels is better for the look he sees, then fair enough; he’ll have that veto power.

Of course, there’s also no guarantee that whoever Billy Napier hires is going to work out, no matter how great their credentials may be. Unfortunately, we’re at the point now where that’s just too bad. A third consecutive year of mind-boggling play-calls and special teams letdowns simply isn’t going to be tolerated, and if either of things leads to one more defeat, it might just cue up the death knell on Napier’s tenure.

Now I’m sure that at this point, people who have made it this far are wondering why I haven’t been talking about the Gators’ defense. After all, Florida finished #70 overall in total defense, surrendered 702 yards of offense to LSU and probably handed the Heisman Trophy to Jayden Daniels, and gave up a 4th and 17 to Missouri. Don’t they deserve some ink?

The truth is that while yes, the Gators’ defense was terrible, most of their issues are fixable simply with continuity and more experience.

True freshmen Sharif Denson, Jordan Castell and Ja’Keem Jackson took a lot of lumps as freshmen last year, but they showed enough flashes of promise to make me believe they very well could take a leap forward as sophomores in the Florida secondary. Meanwhile, star linebacker Shemar James was hurt in Jacksonville, and missed Florida’s last four games- each of which they lost. Getting him back in 2024 should help immensely. And Florida had a pair of talented true freshman up front in Kelby Collins and TJ Searcy, along with veteran transfers Cam Jackson and Caleb Banks. Losing Princely Umanmielen and Chris McClellan will hurt, but now with Joey Slackman and five-star signee LJ McCray in the picture, the Gators will have six valuable pieces up front to work with. And they’ll have depth there too, with guys like Jamari Lyons and Tyreak Sapp also returning.

So it’s wholly logical and reasonable to believe that, while the defense was outright awful in 2023, with another year of experience under coordinator Austin Armstrong, the defense as a unit will get better in 2024. Maybe having an all-new staff of position coaches will genuinely help, or maybe the fired Corey Raymond and Sean Spencer just took the fall for Armstrong, but either way, that additional experience should benefit the defense to a certain degree. It’s the offense and the special teams that have me worried.

Let’s look at the talent next. The key thing to remember is that in the age of the transfer portal, no situation is permanent and you’re not stuck just because you missed out on a day-one-ready playmaker at his Signing Day ceremony in December. For example, losing Xavier Filsaime really stings because of the immense upside he brings, but he likely wasn’t an opening day starter, whereas you can get someone in the portal who is.

It’s also instructive to remember that the portal isn’t finished gaining new entries- and I’m not just talking about the current cycle that runs through January 2nd. There’s an entire second window of availability from April 15-30 for anybody who wants to transfer after spring ball, and it’s possible the Gators could get some high-caliber pieces then. Sure, it’s a risk, because Billy Napier is entirely at the mercy of who enters the portal, and he can’t control the talent pool there, but there is a possibility that it works out for him.

But here’s where the small size of Napier’s 2024 class could come back to bite him. For the second year in a row, Napier prioritized quality over quantity, and this is where it gets frustrating to watch. To a certain extent, quality over quantity is great- you don’t want to be stuck with bad takes who use up a scholarship spot, and you only want to accept the elite athletes who can make your program better. That said, you’re going to have to fill your roster one way or another, and if your high school class is small and there aren’t really any plug-and-play starters that ever hit the portal, you’re screwed, because now you have no recourse; this was your backup option.

And that’s putting aside the fact that even if the right pieces do enter the portal, you still have to go out and land them. Billy Napier is a strong recruiter, but a lot of players enter the transfer portal with a specific destination in mind- some of them even slap the “do not contact” label on their portal entry- and there’s absolutely nothing that he can do about it.

So all in all, the picture here is an overcast one.

There are some small blotches of pretty blue up in those clouds, for sure. Guys like DJ Lagway, LJ McCray, and some returning pieces like Graham Mertz, Eugene Wilson, and a trio of potential game-wreckers on the defensive line in Cam Jackson, TJ Searcy and Kelby Collins are legitimate playmakers who can be pointed at as the drivers on the road to an improved 2024 season- and beyond.

But Billy Napier also has no margin for error anymore. He has to swing for the fences this offseason, and he has to make the powerful contact needed to deliver some home runs. And now he’s at the mercy of fate, and things breaking his way.

So yes, there is a way out of the hole he’s dug for himself, but it’s by no means going to be an easy one to navigate.

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Way too early Florida Gators 2022 game by game projections

Way too early Florida Gators 2022 game by game projections

The 2021 Florida Gators football season could not possibly have ended soon enough. Now that it's officially, mercifully over, it's time to look ahead to the 2022 Florida Gators! For Florida, the schedule is a unique one. Reigning Pac-12 champ Utah comes to town to...

Ohio State QB Jack Miller transfers to Florida

Ohio State QB Jack Miller transfers to Florida

Florida lost a prospective member of its QB room when Nick Evers decommitted, but made up for that loss today with the addition of Jack Miller. Miller, who signed with Ohio State out of high school as a member of the Buckeyes' 2020 recruiting class, entered the...

What does Kamari Wilson bring to the table for Florida?

What does Kamari Wilson bring to the table for Florida?

Yesterday, Kamari Wilson made waves throughout the recruiting world when he decommitted from Georgia and flipped to Florida on Signing Day. Yes, there's an element of head-to-head victory for Gator fans, who can now boast to Georgia fans about how they are now a real...

Four star safety Devin Moore commits to Florida

Four star safety Devin Moore commits to Florida

Arguably by design, the Florida Gators’ 2022 recruiting class came apart at the seams in the wake of Dan Mullen’s firing. As the sun rose on Early Signing Day, the first major piece of Billy Napier’s transition class fell into place with Devin Moore. Moore, a four...

Class of 2022 Early Signing Day Tracker

Class of 2022 Early Signing Day Tracker

Welcome to our Class of 2022 Early Signing Day tracker! As we have done in previous years, this page will serve as a hub of activity for the Florida Gators on the first day of the Early Signing Period for the 2022 recruiting cycle. In contrast to previous years,...

Florida Gators hire Billy Napier as head football coach

Florida Gators hire Billy Napier as head football coach

(Photo credit: Chuck Cook, AP) The Florida Gators have a new head football coach, and his name is Billy Napier. Multiple sources say that Florida fired Dan Mullen with direct and specific intentions of hiring Billy Napier. Florida did have backup options in place, but...

It’s over: Dan Mullen is out as Florida’s head coach

It’s over: Dan Mullen is out as Florida’s head coach

Eighteen hours after an overtime loss to Missouri, the Dan Mullen era at Florida is officially over, according to multiple sources and corroborated by numerous additional reports. The firing is effective immediately. Greg Knox will serve as the interim head coach for...

An Open Letter To Dan Mullen: This Is Your Last Shot

An Open Letter To Dan Mullen: This Is Your Last Shot

Dear Dan Mullen, It's crazy how fast time can fly and how quickly things can change. You were the guy who called the offensive plays for two of the three national championships the Gator football team has ever won. You were the guy who developed Tim Tebow into a...

Black Sunday: Todd Grantham, John Hevesy are out at Florida

Black Sunday: Todd Grantham, John Hevesy are out at Florida

What should have been done immediately was done eventually, to borrow and twist a line from Jeremy Foley. News broke on Sunday evening that defensive coordinator Todd Grantham and offensive line coach John Hevesy are done at Florida. Bruce Feldman of FOX Sports was...

It’s time for the Florida Gators to fire Dan Mullen

It’s time for the Florida Gators to fire Dan Mullen

UPDATE: Florida has now parted ways with defensive coordinator Todd Grantham and offensive line coach John Hevesy. This goes against over a decade of data that suggested that Dan Mullen would never do so. Does it change things? Kind of, but not really; Mullen still...

Dear Dan Mullen: Show Me

Dear Dan Mullen: Show Me

The Florida Gators are set to do battle with archrival Georgia once again, but the script to this year's Cocktail Party seems eerily familiar. And the onus is on Dan Mullen to deviate from that script. Remember? Four years ago, speculation was swirling about the job...

Four star WR Jayden Gibson commits to Florida

Four star WR Jayden Gibson commits to Florida

Dan Mullen and the Gators have just picked up a commitment from wide receiver Jayden Gibson, a consensus four star wide receiver from West Orange, FL. And thus, the Gators' 2022 recruiting class is really starting to come along. Gibson announced his decision on CBS...

Gameday Tidbits: Florida Gators vs. Vanderbilt

Gameday Tidbits: Florida Gators vs. Vanderbilt

The Florida Gators, who are coming off a heartbreaking 13-20 loss to the Kentucky Wildcats need to bounce back this weekend in the Swamp.  Quite frankly, it should be very difficult for Florida to not bounce back against a very bad Vanderbilt football team. To put...

2022 DT Jamari Lyons commits to Florida

2022 DT Jamari Lyons commits to Florida

Florida's 2022 recruiting class got off to a fairly slow start, but has picked up some steam tonight with the addition of four star defensive tackle Jamari Lyons. Lyons, out of Melbourne and Viera High School, chose the Gators over South Carolina, Indiana, and...

Gameday: Florida Gators at Kentucky Wildcats

Gameday: Florida Gators at Kentucky Wildcats

Tonight, the Florida Gators face the Kentucky Wildcats in Lexington. This will be Florida’s first true road test of the season in what should be an incredibly hostile environment.  The Gators look to continue to roll through the SEC East as they take on division foe,...

Emory Jones deserves respect. Period.

Emory Jones deserves respect. Period.

  We are now just a few days from Emory Jones’ first true road test as a starting quarterback. And though the concept is fairly obvious to some, it's not to others, so it's worth diving into in more depth: he deserves respect for how far he’s come from the...

Game day: Florida Gators vs. Tennessee Volunteers

Game day: Florida Gators vs. Tennessee Volunteers

Tonight, the Florida Gators face the Tennessee Volunteers in a primetime showdown in the Swamp. This time, the Gators look to bounce back from a narrow defeat by the #1 Alabama Crimson Tide. Though Tennessee is not the Tennessee of Old, we still expect this to be an...

Game day: Florida Gators vs. Alabama Crimson Tide

Game day: Florida Gators vs. Alabama Crimson Tide

Finally, the day has come! Today the #11 Florida Gators will battle the #1 Alabama Crimson tide in a matchup of epic proportions. Florida fans circled this game in anticipation since the announcement came that Alabama would once again return to the Swamp. This is a...

Florida LB Ventrell Miller out for the season

Florida LB Ventrell Miller out for the season

Florida's defense took a hit last Saturday when linebacker Ventrell Miller suffered an unknown injury in the Gators' 42-20 win over South Florida. That injury was subsequently deemed to be an elbow injury, but the exact nature- and the exact severity- of the injury...

Five takeaways from the Florida Gators’ 42-20 win over USF

Five takeaways from the Florida Gators’ 42-20 win over USF

The Florida Gators exploded for a 35-3 lead midway through the second quarter, and from there, cruised to a 42-20 win over South Florida. What stood out in the process? 1: Florida's got issues, but it could be so much worse Rarely will I ever waste one of these five...

Game day: Florida Gators at South Florida Bulls Preview

Game day: Florida Gators at South Florida Bulls Preview

Gameday is once again upon us! This time, the Florida Gators will face the South Florida Bulls in a quasi-road game where the stands promise to feature as much orange and blue as green and gold- if not more. Amidst what some people deem to be a quarterback controversy...

Five takeaways from Florida Gators’ 35-14 win over FAU

Five takeaways from Florida Gators’ 35-14 win over FAU

The Florida Gators knocked off FAU 35-14 to begin the 2021 season, but left much to be desired. So: what stuck out along the way? (Aside: I'll be keeping these "five takeaways" pieces short and sweet throughout the season in order to get more stuff written each week.)...

Game day: Florida Gators vs. Florida Atlantic Owls Preview

Game day: Florida Gators vs. Florida Atlantic Owls Preview

Alas, we have reached game day for the Florida Gators. It is finally here! Enough of the talk. Enough of the pre-season predictions. For the first time since last December, we have a game to talk about today. Tonight at 7:30 PM, the Swamp will have 80,000+ for the...

It’s Emory Jones’ turn. His time. And his team.

It’s Emory Jones’ turn. His time. And his team.

Photo credit: USA Today Flash back to almost four years ago, December 20, 2017. It's the day that Emory Jones signed with the Florida Gators, which planted a seed for a career that has, for the most part, remained dormant- until now. Not too long before a letter of...

Florida’s Andrew Chatfield enters transfer portal

Florida’s Andrew Chatfield enters transfer portal

Photo credit: Evan Lepak, UAA Communications Florida linebacker/defensive end Andrew Chatfield has decided to enter the transfer portal. In doing so, he becomes the third Gators defender who has logged reps at linebacker to do so this offseason after James Houston IV...

Snapshot: 2021 Florida-FSU chart

Snapshot: 2021 Florida-FSU chart

Happy Chart Day! Yep, it's that time of year again. The annual In All Kinds Of Weather tradition of "The Florida FSU chart" is back in 2021. For those who are not familiar with "The Chart," every year since 2014, I have been laying out all the dizzying array of ways...

OT David Conner commits to Florida

OT David Conner commits to Florida

Photo via David Conner Florida’s offensive line play has been suspect at best these past few years, and the Gators’ 2022 recruiting class has been somewhat stuck in reverse so far. Both of those things got a nice boost today with the commitment of offensive tackle...

LB EJ Lightsey commits to Florida

LB EJ Lightsey commits to Florida

Photo credit: Keith Niebuhr, 247Sports Linebacker EJ Lightsey (Fitzgerald, GA/Fitzgerald) has just become the newest member of the Gators' 2022 recruiting class. He announced the decision on twitter this morning. Though Florida's fan base does have a propensity to...

Florida CB Jaydon Hill tears ACL, will miss 2021 season

Florida CB Jaydon Hill tears ACL, will miss 2021 season

Photo credit: John Raoux, AP A big part of the small amount of depth the Florida Gators had in its secondary is now gone for the season, as cornerback Jaydon Hill has torn his ACL. Hill suffered the injury in practice on Sunday. Rumblings that Hill would miss the...

Florida Gators 2021 Summer Position Preview: Defensive line

Florida Gators 2021 Summer Position Preview: Defensive line

Photo credit: Brad McClenny, USA Today Having completed the position by position preview of the Florida Gators' offense last month, it's time to turn our attention to the other side of the ball: the defense. It was, for lack of a nicer possible way to put it, awful in...

Four star RB Terrance Gibbs commits to Florida

Four star RB Terrance Gibbs commits to Florida

Photo via Terrance Gibbs The Gators have finally landed a top running back out of high school as opposed to the portal, as Terrance Gibbs (Winter Park, FL/Winter Park HS) has committed to Florida. Though Gibbs is only rated as a four star by both Rivals and 247Sports,...

2023 TE Mac Markway commits to Florida

2023 TE Mac Markway commits to Florida

Photo via Mac Markway Tim Brewster has landed another one for the Florida Gators, raiding the Show Me State for a Mac Markway, tight end that schools across the country wanted. Markway, a consensus four star target from St. Louis, chose Florida over Ohio State and...

Report: Florida, UCF close in on two-for-one football series

Report: Florida, UCF close in on two-for-one football series

Photo credit: Phil Sandlin, AP UPDATE: the social media teams of Florida and Central Florida have officially announced the three game series, confirming details of reports listed below. The original story begins below. UCF Knights fans' dreams of playing the Florida...

Florida Gators 2021 Pre-Summer position analysis: tight ends

Florida Gators 2021 Pre-Summer position analysis: tight ends

Photo credit: Courtney Culbreath, University of Florida After a bit of a hiatus, our position by position breakdown of the Florida Gators football roster resumes today with a look at Tim Brewster's tight end room. (Apologies for the delay. Long story. But we're back...

ATH Jamarrien Burt commits to Florida

ATH Jamarrien Burt commits to Florida

After laying dormant for quite some time, the Gators' 2022 recruiting class is picking up some steam at last. A mere four days after Florida added a pair of commitments from linebacker Shemar James and wide receiver Chandler Smith, athlete Jamarrien Burt has joined...

Athletic four star LB Shemar James commits to Florida

Athletic four star LB Shemar James commits to Florida

Photo credit: Scott Donaldson, preps@al.com Florida's 2022 recruiting class just gained perhaps its most highly touted piece yet, as consensus four star linebacker Shemar James announced his commitment this afternoon. James- out of Mobile, AL/Faith Academy- was...

Four star DB Julian Humphrey commits to Florida

Four star DB Julian Humphrey commits to Florida

Photo via TexAgs Not even three months after poaching QB Nick Evers from the Lone Star State, Dan Mullen and the Florida Gators rode west to Texas once again and pulled out another stud in Julian Humphrey, a consensus four star prospect from the Houston metropolitan...

Underrated three star WR Isaiah Bond commits to Florida

Underrated three star WR Isaiah Bond commits to Florida

Photo via Isaiah Bond After a lull the past couple months, the Gators are making moves with their 2022 recruiting class again, this time adding wide receiver Isaiah Bond. https://twitter.com/isaiahbond_/status/1391513186566819845?s=20 247Sports credits Billy Gonzales...

Florida Gators 2021 NFL Draft primer

Florida Gators 2021 NFL Draft primer

Photo credit: Kim Klement, USA Today Happy NFL Draft Day, Florida Gators fans! Today is the day where 32 former college football stars take the first step towards making their lifelong dreams of playing in the NFL a reality. That, of course, will include former Gators...

(Unofficial) results from Florida’s NFL Pro Day

(Unofficial) results from Florida’s NFL Pro Day

Photo credit: Florida Gators Due to the cancellation of the Gators' spring football game, the Florida Gators Pro Day was the closest thing to live football we're going to get this offseason. Luckily for the fans- and much more importantly, themselves- several...

Who should replace Mike White at Florida? (2021 version)

Who should replace Mike White at Florida? (2021 version)

Photo credit: John E. Moore, Getty Images A year ago, after Mike White's coaching malpractice pushed me over the edge for good, I wrote about all the laundry list of candidates I would love to see Florida replace Mike White with. After his horrifying late game...

TE CJ Hawkins commits to Florida

TE CJ Hawkins commits to Florida

Image via 247Sports The Gators got off to a slow start with their 2022 recruiting class. But with the addition of CJ Hawkins, it's officially picking up steam. Hawkins, a tight end out of Tampa, FL/Berkeley Prep, committed to Florida over South Carolina. The Gators...

Athletic OT Tony Livingston commits to Florida

Athletic OT Tony Livingston commits to Florida

Image via BuckeyePlanet.com Florida picked up a major boost for its 2022 recruiting class with the addition of Tony Livingston. Livingston, a consensus four star offensive tackle from Tampa, FL/Carrolwood Day announced his decision on twitter this evening. He also had...

2022 QB Nick Evers commits to Florida

2022 QB Nick Evers commits to Florida

Image via TexAgs.com Coaches will tell you that in every recruiting class, signing a quarterback is a need. For the Gators' 2022 class, Dan Mullen just filled that need in the name of Nick Evers, who just committed with an announcement on twitter. Evers is a consensus...

Videos: highlights from Gator football’s 3/2 practice

Videos: highlights from Gator football’s 3/2 practice

Photo credit: Florida Gators/@GatorsFB The Gators held Day 6 of spring practice today, and as has been the case for several of the prior practices, the program decided to open it up (virtually) to the public, and streamed most of the reps live on the team's Instagram...

Videos: highlights from Gator football’s 2/26 practice

Videos: highlights from Gator football’s 2/26 practice

Day five of full pads. (Image via Florida Gators.) For the third time this week, the Florida Gators football team held a virtual open practice, streaming most of the day's work on Instagram live for all to see. Here are all the videos I managed to capture from Friday...

Videos: highlights from Gator football’s 2/24 practice

Videos: highlights from Gator football’s 2/24 practice

Jason Marshall vs. Xzavier Henderson: something we'll be seeing a lot of in practice for a very, very long time. (Photo credit: Florida Gators) For the second time this week, the Gator football program virtually opened its practice to the public on its Instagram page,...

Videos: highlights from Gator football’s 2/22 practice

Screenshot from Florida's practice today (via Florida Gators) Dan Mullen and the Florida Gator football team hit the field for practice today as usual. One thing that made today's practice different from a lot of the Gators' other practices, though, was that today's...

Kicker Adam Mihalek commits to Florida

Kicker Adam Mihalek commits to Florida

Image via Adam Mihalek The Florida Gators snuck in one last addition to their 2021 recruiting class at the last second: kicker Adam Mihalek. Mihalek, a local from Tampa, has announced his intentions to stay close to home and attend the University of Florida as a...

Four star 2022 DE Francois Nolton commits to Florida

Four star 2022 DE Francois Nolton commits to Florida

With the Gators' 2021 recruiting class all wrapped up, Dan Mullen and his staff have gone to work setting up their 2022 class. https://twitter.com/99_nolton/status/1357739221822418945?s=20 Francois Nolton, a 6'4, 225 lb. four star defensive end from Miami, has...

COVID forces Gator basketball game vs. LSU to be postponed

COVID forces Gator basketball game vs. LSU to be postponed

After an embarrassing home loss to South Carolina two nights ago, the Gator basketball program will have to wait a little longer to get back on the court. Per an SEC press release, Mike White's team is experiencing another COVID outbreak: The Florida at LSU men's...

Gators land former LSU five star TE Arik Gilbert

Gators land former LSU five star TE Arik Gilbert

Dan Mullen remains undefeated in the NCAA transfer portal with the addition of Arik Gilbert. And now, a year after Florida lost unanimous All-American tight end Kyle Pitts to the NFL, the Gators may not miss a beat at that position. Gilbert, a former five star tight...

Way too early 2021 Gator football game-by-game projections

Way too early 2021 Gator football game-by-game projections

With the Florida Gators' 2021 schedule released yesterday, I thought it would be worth taking my first shot at what's become fans' favorite offseason ritual: projecting Florida's record. And in order to have a final record projection, you have to go game by game in...

Florida Gators’ 2021 football schedule revealed

Florida Gators’ 2021 football schedule revealed

When the SEC first pieced together a twelve year football schedule rotation in 2014 that dictated which teams would play who from the other division, the Florida Gators knew that they'd be hosting Alabama as their cross-division opponent in 2021. But now, following...

Gators complete coaching staff with Jules Montinar

Gators complete coaching staff with Jules Montinar

UPDATE: Florida has officially announced Jules Montinar as the newest member of the Gator football staff. https://twitter.com/GatorsFB/status/1353802427313618945?s=20 (Initial story begins below.) With linebackers coach Christian Robinson presumably staying at...

Auburn DL Daquan Newkirk transfers to Florida

Auburn DL Daquan Newkirk transfers to Florida

DaQuan Newkirk is coming home. Daquan Newkirk has decided to return home (or close to it) for his final year of eligibility. And thus, Florida's shaky offseason took a step in the right direction. https://twitter.com/holdthat_2/status/1349757297782829056?s=20 Once a...

Florida LB James Houston to enter transfer portal

Florida LB James Houston to enter transfer portal

Best of luck to James Houston as he searches for a new home. James Houston IV, a junior linebacker from Fort Lauderdale, has told me that he will be entering the transfer portal. Houston was known for making a few of the bigger defensive plays of the last couple of...

Keyontae Johnson placed into medically induced coma

Keyontae Johnson placed into medically induced coma

Keyontae Johnson has been placed into a medically induced coma, according to the USA Today, who spoke with Johnson's grandfather. His grandfather, Larry DeJarnett said in a phone interview that his grandson was transported to Gainesville earlier today after receiving...

Florida vs Tennessee: Film Review – Defense

Florida’s 2020 season has overall been a successful one by most measures. The Gators are 8-1, ranked in the top ten in every major poll and are four wins away from securing the program’s fourth national title. But in order to obtain that national title, there’s a lot...

Several Gators listed as national award semifinalists

Florida's efforts on the field have been rewarded in the sense that the Gators now control their own destiny to SEC and national championships. But for several players, their efforts are being rewarded in more individual manners, too. Four Gators have been listed as...

Rocky Slop: Florida takes down Tennessee to clinch SEC East

The day Dan Mullen was introduced as the Gators’ new head coach, he talked at length about giving relentless effort in all he did to restore the program to a championship level. Last night on Rocky Top, his Gators took a major step toward doing so. Heisman front...

Five Takeaways from Florida’s 31-19 win over Tennessee

Florida didn't play especially well, but did more than enough to beat Tennessee and wrap up the SEC East for the first time since 2016. What were the major takeaways from the game? Florida simply does not have a running game Tennessee came into the game with a five...

Photo Gallery from Florida’s 34-10 win over Kentucky

As we anticipate tomorrow's road matchup with Tennessee,  let’s take one more look back at last week’s game against Kentucky. Our podcast host, Dustin Smith, happens to also be a fantastic photographer. He was at the game last Saturday, and got some great photos of...

Florida RB Iverson Clement will transfer

Florida's deep stable of running backs has just gotten a little thinner. Iverson Clement, a junior tailback from Mount Holly, NJ, has decided to transfer. He departs from Florida having carried the ball twelve times for 94 yards. He nearly scored a touchdown against...

Gators make belated Thanksgiving feast out of Wildcats

Florida was missing key pieces on both sides of the ball a week ago in a sluggish 38-17 win over Vanderbilt. The Gators got them both back today, and the result was fairly similar: Florida struggled for a half against a historically inferior divisional opponent,...

Five Takeaways from Florida’s 34-10 win over Kentucky

It took awhile for Florida to get itself going, but they eventually did do exactly that and rolled away from Kentucky. What stood out in the victory? A tale of two halves Florida's offense was stuck in reverse for most of the first half, mustering a grand total of...

No. 6 Gators overcome sluggish start to run past Vandy

Florida arrived at Vanderbilt’s small stadium a mere hour and two minutes before kickoff, determined to avoid the cramped quarters in the visitors’ locker room at all costs and intent on spending as little time on the premises as they had to. Then the Gators took the...

Five Takeaways from Florida’s 38-17 win over Vanderbilt

It wasn’t pretty, but Florida fought off a tough challenge from Vanderbilt and got out of Nashville with a 38-17 win. What stuck out in the victory? The defense is still a problem. Yes, Florida played better on defense after a miserable first quarter, and sure,...

Photo Gallery from Florida’s 63-35 win over Arkansas

Before we look ahead to Vanderbilt tomorrow, let's take one more look back at last week's game against Arkansas. Our podcast host, Dustin Smith, happens to also be a fantastic photographer. He was at the game last Saturday night, and got some great photos of various...

Trask, Gators run Hogwild in blowout of Arkansas

Trask, Gators run Hogwild in blowout of Arkansas

Feleipe Franks’ dramatic return to the Swamp was the story of the day when his Arkansas Razorbacks faced off against #6 Florida in the Swamp. But it was his long-time understudy, Kyle Trask, who dominated the night. Trask continued his push for a Heisman Trophy by...

Five Takeaways from Florida’s 63-35 win over Arkansas

Five Takeaways from Florida’s 63-35 win over Arkansas

Florida earned its most lopsided win of the season over Arkansas, and former quarterback Feleipe Franks, 63-35. What stood out most along the way? Kyle Trask is now the Heisman frontrunner After several years of hyping up various quarterbacks as Heisman Trophy...

A Tribute to Feleipe Franks: I Will Remember You

A Tribute to Feleipe Franks: I Will Remember You

Hello again, Feleipe Franks. It's been about fourteen months since your Gator career ended in a particularly gruesome fashion. Tomorrow, we meet again. Only this time, your job will be to ruin Florida's season, not enhance it, and our job will be to make you...

Florida 44, Georgia 28: Helmet Stickers and Plays of the Game

Florida 44, Georgia 28: Helmet Stickers and Plays of the Game

Florida's euphoric win over Georgia is still sinking in, but it's time to go through the film and look at this game from an academic standpoint. You can rewatch the game here. First order of business: a blanket helmet sticker is awarded to every member of the team for...

Gators kick Georgia out of Cocktail Party

Gators kick Georgia out of Cocktail Party

Throughout Dan Mullen’s short tenure at Florida, Kirby Smart has had Mullen’s number.  And three minutes into their third meeting in Jacksonville, it looked like that would continue. But then Florida flipped the script and turned the game— and the rivalry— on its...

Five Takeaways from Florida’s 44-28 win over Georgia

Five Takeaways from Florida’s 44-28 win over Georgia

WE DID IT!!! Yes, at long last, Florida has gotten the Georgia monkey off its back and toppled the Bulldogs to take control of the SEC East. What did we learn along the way? Kyle Trask is officially a Heisman Trophy frontrunner He may not win the award, but he has to...

2021 OL Yousef Mugharbil commits to Florida

2021 OL Yousef Mugharbil commits to Florida

A day before the Gators take on Georgia in the Cocktail Party, Yousef Mugharbil kicked off their weekend the right way. Mugharbil, a consensus four star offensive lineman from Murphy, NC/Murphy HS, has committed to Florida. He also had offers from Penn State, Virginia...

Five takeaways from Florida’s 41-17 win over Missouri

Five takeaways from Florida’s 41-17 win over Missouri

Florida bounced back from a rough loss to Texas A&M three weeks ago with a statement win against Missouri. What stood out in the process? The defense isn't great, but it's getting better. Even without three starters in the secondary (and without Zachary Carter in...

Gators down three starters in the secondary against Missouri

Gators down three starters in the secondary against Missouri

Florida's defensive backfield- already shaky at full strength- is now going to be decimated tonight against Missouri. Starting cornerback Marco Wilson, as well as safeties Shawn Davis and Donovan Stiner, are all out tonight, according to various reports. The reasons...

For Gators, a new season begins against Missouri

For Gators, a new season begins against Missouri

Three weeks ago, Florida completed its preseason portion of the 2020 schedule with a good deal of promise, but well aware of what it had to work on. One ugly COVID outbreak and three weeks later, and the Gators begin the meat of their schedule- a seven game stretch...

2022 Safety Sam McCall commits to Florida

2022 Safety Sam McCall commits to Florida

Just as things are getting back into full swing for the Gator football team, things are heating up on the recruiting trail, too. Florida has nabbed a commitment from 2022 athlete Sam McCall, a consensus five star recruit from Lakeland, FL/Lake Gibson HS. He chose...

2021 Edge rusher Jeremiah Williams commits to Florida

2021 Edge rusher Jeremiah Williams commits to Florida

Defensive end Jeremiah Williams, a consensus four star prospect out of Birmingham, AL/Ramsay HS, has committed to Florida, giving the Gators yet another dynamic piece for their 2021 recruiting class. Signs were pointing towards Gainesville for the highly touted edge...

Florida-Missouri game postponed to October 31

Florida-Missouri game postponed to October 31

According to multiple sources close to the team, the Florida-Missouri game scheduled to take place on October 24th will now be pushed back one week, to Halloween on October 31st. In All Kinds of Weather first reported yesterday that the game was extremely likely to be...

Florida-LSU game postponed due to COVID-19 outbreak

Florida-LSU game postponed due to COVID-19 outbreak

Multiple sources have confirmed that the Florida-LSU game scheduled for this Saturday is going to be postponed. An announcement could come as early as Wednesday afternoon. The news comes less than 24 hours after an outbreak of COVID-19 within the Gators' football...

COVID-19 outbreak places Florida-LSU game in jeopardy

After just three games, the novel coronavirus that has wreaked havoc on pretty much everything in 2020 appears to have found its way into the Gator football program. And predictably, the COVID-19 outbreak has thrown up a blockade in front of the season. A few days...

Texas A&M forces Florida to address defensive issues

Texas A&M forces Florida to address defensive issues

Throughout the game on Saturday in College Station, Florida seemed to be one step ahead of Texas A&M. Until they weren't. And then it was too late to do anything about it as the Florida program trudged off the field following a familiar fate- a loss to Jimbo...

Five takeaways from Florida’s 41-38 loss to Texas A&M

Five takeaways from Florida’s 41-38 loss to Texas A&M

Florida suffered its first loss of the season against Texas A&M today, an ugly 41-38 setback that’s far more irritating than damaging— but one that exposed a great deal of Gator shortcomings. What stood out in particular? (Spoiler alert: a lot of them are...

Imperfect Gators outlast South Carolina to start 2-0

Imperfect Gators outlast South Carolina to start 2-0

The various struggles the Florida Gators have endured on defense didn’t matter too much in their first two games against Mississippi and South Carolina. They might in their next game. And they almost certainly will later in the season. Kyle Trask tossed four touchdown...

Clemson RB Demarkcus Bowman to transfer to Florida

Clemson RB Demarkcus Bowman to transfer to Florida

The Lakeland-to-Gainesville pipeline has continued, albeit via a detour. Demarkcus Bowman has chosen to transfer to Florida. Mere days after announcing his decision to enter the transfer portal, Bowman told Gators Territory of his decision. Bowman, a former five star...

Trask’s career day propels Florida past Mississippi

Trask’s career day propels Florida past Mississippi

Dan Mullen returned to the place he once called “The School Up North” in his new set of colors for the first time. And he provided that school up north with a first class education in just how lethal his new offense is. Kyle Trask went wild, completing 30 of his 42...

Five takeaways from Florida’s 51-35 win at Ole Miss

Five takeaways from Florida’s 51-35 win at Ole Miss

The Gators opened their 2020 season with a somewhat convincing 51-35 victory over Ole Miss in Oxford. In doing so, Florida knotted the all time series score against the Rebels at twelve wins apiece. Here are my five initial takeaways from the game: Kyle Trask is...

2020 Gator football position preview: secondary

2020 Gator football position preview: secondary

Our position previews of the 2020 Gator football team conclude today with a look at the defensive backfield. Can the unit colloquially known as "DBU" move forward without CJ Henderson? Previously previewing: quarterbacks | running backs | wide receivers | tight ends |...

2020 Gator football position previews: linebackers

2020 Gator football position previews: linebackers

The penultimate piece of our position preview segment takes us to the Florida linebackers- a unit that was very good in 2019, but will look a bit different in 2020. Let's get right into it. Previously previewing: quarterbacks | running backs | wide receivers | tight...

2020 Gator football position preview: defensive line

2020 Gator football position preview: defensive line

Having completed our offensive position previews, today we move to the defensive side of the ball. And as is the case everywhere in the SEC, it starts up front. Previously previewing: quarterbacks | running backs | wide receivers | tight ends | offensive line The...

2020 Gator football position preview: offensive line

2020 Gator football position preview: offensive line

Fresh off our preview of Florida's tight ends, our 2020 Gator football position preview rolls on with a look at perhaps the key to the entire team: the offensive line. Last year, was so-so a year ago in pass protection, but really let the team down in the ground game....

2020 Gator football position preview: tight ends

2020 Gator football position preview: tight ends

With kickoff just around the corner, our position by position previews of the 2020 Gator football team are about to start hitting the presses rapid-fire. Having already published our previews on Florida's quarterback, running back and wide receiver rooms, the first of...

2020 Gator football position preview: wide receivers

2020 Gator football position preview: wide receivers

Having previously broken down Florida's quarterbacks and running backs, our position preview segment moves along today with a look at Florida's receivers. It's a unit that lost four of its top playmakers from 2019 (Van Jefferson, Freddie Swain, Josh Hammond and Tyrie...

2020 Gator football position preview: running backs

2020 Gator football position preview: running backs

After a bit longer of a gap between position breakdowns than I intended, the series rolls on today with a look at Florida's running backs. What do the Gators have in stock in their RB room this year? The leader: Dameon Pierce The leading returning rusher from 2019 has...

Snapshot: the 2020 Florida-FSU chart

Snapshot: the 2020 Florida-FSU chart

Ladies and gentlemen, it is my distinct honor and privilege to present to you, the 2020 Florida-FSU chart. Many of you already know what I'm referring too. For those who don't, "The Chart" is an annual In All Kinds Of Weather tradition that compares the Florida Gators...

2020 Gator football position preview: quarterbacks

2020 Gator football position preview: quarterbacks

With kickoff at long last in sight, it's time to break down the 2020 Gator football roster, position by position. Who's back, who's going to start, how good are they, and so on. Man, it's great to finally be talking about that again. So with that said, let's start...

Gators learn four of ten kickoff times for 2020 season

Gators learn four of ten kickoff times for 2020 season

Three of Florida's first four games of the 2020 season carry the potential to be broilers. The Gators' season opener against Mississippi in Oxford on September 26th will kick off at noon, and air on ESPN. The following week, Florida will return home and again play in...

#GreatestGatorEver Sweet 16 bracket breakdown

#GreatestGatorEver Sweet 16 bracket breakdown

Having announced the tentative plans for the schedule of the remainder of the #GreatestGatorEver fan voting tournament (update; the tournament resumes tomorrow on twitter and Instagram stories), it's time to refresh our memories regarding the final sixteen contestants...

#GreatestGatorEver tournament schedule update

#GreatestGatorEver tournament schedule update

For those who have been keeping track of the #GreatestGatorEver tournament, the excitement level has reached yet another all time high, as it does with the completion of each round. For those who haven't, it's not too late to be introduced to the event. Here's (a very...

Gators’ 2020 football schedule unveiled

Gators’ 2020 football schedule unveiled

At long last, the Florida Gators 2020 football schedule has been released. Here it is, in full. Florida Gators 2020 football schedule Week Date Opponent 1 9/26 @ Mississippi 2 10/3 S CAROLINA 3 10/10 @ Texas A&M 4 10/17 LSU 5 10/24 MISSOURI 6 --- BYE 7 11/7...

Four key Gators sit out first fall practice

Four key Gators sit out first fall practice

For the time being, it looks as though the SEC is going to give its college football season a go in 2020. But at least for today's inaugural practice, the Florida Gators football team launched its fall season down four critical pieces. As first reported by Sports...

Florida Gators 2021 Recruiting Big Board update: mid-August

Florida Gators 2021 Recruiting Big Board update: mid-August

The Gators' recruiting recent endeavors can be summed up with a synopsis not unlike a bunch of little kids swinging away at a dangling piñata. After much time and effort hacking at it to no avail, one well-placed swing and the fruits of their labor suddenly began...

DT Desmond Watson commits to Florida

DT Desmond Watson commits to Florida

Florida had been suffering through a bit of a lull on the recruiting trail earlier this month, a period that was low lighted by Clinton Burton flipping his commitment from Florida to Boston College. But if the past couple of weeks didn't vault Florida out of that rut,...

Gators flip OL recruit Jake Slaughter from FSU

After a bit of a lull on the recruiting trail, Florida has suddenly picked it up over the course of the last week. Last Saturday, safety Donovan McMillon committed; less than 48 hours later, receiver Marcus Burke followed suit to rev the engine a little bit on a 2021...

Top Jacksonville WR Marcus Burke commits to Florida

Top Jacksonville WR Marcus Burke commits to Florida

The Gators' 2021 recruiting class got a boost Saturday with the addition of Donovan McMillon. Today, Dan Mullen & Co. built on that momentum with the addition of receiver Marcus Burke. https://twitter.com/CERTIFIED_MB4/status/1285296008747003904?s=20 Burke, a...

Safety Donovan McMillon commits to Florida

Safety Donovan McMillon commits to Florida

Clinton Burton out, Donovan McMillon in. McMillon, a borderline three/four star safety from McMurray, PA/Peters Township High School, has committed to the Gators. The move provides Florida fans with a bit of relief following the decommitment of fellow defensive back...

#GreatestGatorEver tournament set to heat up

#GreatestGatorEver tournament set to heat up

Welcome to the part of the #GreatestGatorEver tournament where things really start to get interesting. For those who are just catching wind of the tournament, a quick explanation of how it works. Created with the goal of deciding the greatest Florida Gator athlete of...

Gators announce six new positive COVID tests within football program

UF confirms 11 positive COVID-19 cases since April

The University of Florida has acknowledged that eleven different positive tests for COVID-19 have taken place since April. The news comes a week and a half after the announcement that no returning Gator football player had tested positive. From Florida senior...

2021 CB Jordan Young commits to Florida

2021 CB Jordan Young commits to Florida

It may be one of the slowest times for sports in recent memory, but the inverse has been the case in the world of Gator football recruiting. 2021 cornerback Jordan Young (Tampa, FL/Gaither) has committed to Florida. A consensus three star prospect with offers from...

Kamar Wilcoxson re-commits to Florida for a third time

Kamar Wilcoxson re-commits to Florida for a third time

Kamar Wilcoxson is back on the Gators' commitment list- and he says this time, it's for good. https://twitter.com/KamarWilcoxson4/status/1274100941369806850?s=20 I think at this point, most Gator fans are familiar with who he is, and if you're not, I'll explain why I...

Safety Dakota Mitchell commits to Florida

Safety Dakota Mitchell commits to Florida

It probably got lost in the news of yesterday’s news that the Florida band will stop cueing up the “Gator bait” chant due to the term’s racist history, but while Florida football lost a ritual, it gained a commit. Safety Dakota Mitchell (Winter Park, FL/Winter Park)...

Gator football gets the green light to proceed with practice

Gator football gets the green light to proceed with practice

One thing that COVID-19 has proven is that it possesses an uncanny ability to screw up all different types of plans, and there's no concrete evidence that it's finished doing so. That's something that has to be kept in mind for the duration of this article, as well as...

Gator baseball pitcher Tommy Mace to return in 2021

Gator baseball pitcher Tommy Mace to return in 2021

Tommy Mace has just pulled perhaps the biggest offseason surprise in the world of Florida Gator athletics. Mace, the ace of the Gator baseball pitching staff, has decided to return to Gainesville for another season after going undrafted in the MLB Draft. Per...

Former Florida WR Reche Caldwell murdered outside his house

Former Florida WR Reche Caldwell murdered outside his house

Photo credit: Sports Illustrated Ex-Florida wide receiver Reche Caldwell has died from injuries sustained in a shooting right outside his home in Tampa, according to multiple different reports. The story was first broken by TMZ, and confirmed by ESPN's Adam Schefter....

#GreatestGatorEver bracket breakdown: 15 Regional

#GreatestGatorEver bracket breakdown: 15 Regional

The sixteenth and final Regional of the #GreatestGatorEver tournament gets underway later tonight. Thus, our Regional previews conclude with a look at the 15 Regional: The bracket Regional participants (Players are listed in order they appear on the bracket.) (1)...

Lorenzo Lingard granted immediate eligibility for Florida

Lorenzo Lingard granted immediate eligibility for Florida

Happy birthday, Lorenzo Lingard. Florida's newest running back addition has announced on twitter that his waiver to be able to play in 2020 has been granted: https://twitter.com/d1champ99/status/1266464118950723584?s=20 Florida's running back room wasn't bad to begin...

#GreatestGatorEver tournament set to heat up

#GreatestGatorEver bracket breakdown: Regional 2

The penultimate Regional of the #GreatestGatorEver tournament is just about set to get underway. As is customary by now, let's acquaint ourselves with the sixteen player field a little more first. The bracket Regional participants (Players are listed in...

#GreatestGatorEver bracket breakdown: 10 Regional

#GreatestGatorEver bracket breakdown: 10 Regional

Round one of the #GreatestGatorEver tournament is drawing to a close. Today, we take a look at the third-to-last of the sixteen Regional brackets to be played: the 10 Regional. The bracket Regional participants (Players are listed in order they appear on the bracket.)...

#GreatestGatorEver bracket breakdown: 7 Regional

#GreatestGatorEver bracket breakdown: 7 Regional

We are officially three quarters of the way through of the first round of the #GreatestGatorEver tournament. Tomorrow morning, we begin the first round of the fourth quarter of the bracket- the 7 Regional. The bracket Regional participants (Players are listed in order...

Class of 2021 RB/WR Charles Montgomery commits to Florida

Class of 2021 RB/WR Charles Montgomery commits to Florida

Charles Montgomery will be suiting up in orange and blue on Saturdays. On an instagram live feed, Montgomery announced that he was choosing Florida over Maryland. A consensus four star prospect out of Seffner, FL/Armwood, Montgomery also had offers from Alabama,...

#GreatestGatorEver bracket breakdown: Regional 14

#GreatestGatorEver bracket breakdown: Regional 14

Time to complete the upper right hand corner of the #GreatestGatorEver bracket with the 14 Regional. Y'all know the drill by now; let's get to it. The bracket Regional participants (Players are listed in order they appear on the bracket.) (1) Kelly Barnhill (softball,...

Florida unveils plan to bring athletes back to campus

Florida unveils plan to bring athletes back to campus

Photo credit: University of Florida COVID-19 has pretty much shut down college athletics since it made its way over to the United States a couple of months ago. Now, the first steps are being taken to see their resumption. Earlier today, SEC school presidents have...

#GreatestGatorEver bracket breakdown: Regional 3

#GreatestGatorEver bracket breakdown: Regional 3

Up next in our #GreatestGatorEver tournament is the 3 Regional. Before voting gets underway, let's take a closer look at the field. The bracket Regional participants (Players are listed in order they appear on the bracket.) (1) Al Horford (basketball, C/F-...

#GreatestGatorEver bracket breakdown: Regional 11

#GreatestGatorEver bracket breakdown: Regional 11

Eight Regionals down, one underway, and seven more to go in Round One of our #GreatestGatorEver tournament. Next up is the 11 Regional. The bracket Regional participants (Players are listed in order they appear on the bracket.) (1) Jack Youngblood (football, DE/DT/K-...

#GreatestGatorEver bracket breakdown: Regional 6

#GreatestGatorEver bracket breakdown: Regional 6

We're halfway through the opening round of our summer long #GreatestGatorEver tournament. Now, we shift to the right side of the bracket, and start at the top with the 6 Regional, which gets underway tomorrow morning. The bracket Regional participants (Players are...

#GreatestGatorEver bracket breakdown: Regional 12

#GreatestGatorEver bracket breakdown: Regional 12

The eighth and final Regional on the left half of the 256 player #GreatestGatorEver tournament is set to get started tonight. Another way of putting that: after tonight's 12 Regional voting, we will officially be halfway done with the opening round of this summer long...

#GreatestGatorEver bracket breakdown: Regional 5

#GreatestGatorEver bracket breakdown: Regional 5

Our #GreatestGatorEver tournament rolls on today with Round one of the 5 Regional. As was the case for the previous Regionals and will be for all ensuing Regionals, let's take this opportunity to refresh our memories regarding what, exactly, the sixteen players in...

#GreatestGatorEver bracket breakdown: Regional 13

#GreatestGatorEver bracket breakdown: Regional 13

With the 4 Regional of the #GreatestGatorEver tournament currently winding down, it's time to preview the Regional it's paired with in the Sweet 16: Regional #13. The 13 Regional bracket Regional participants (Players are listed in order they appear on the bracket.)...

#GreatestGatorEver bracket breakdown: Regional 4

#GreatestGatorEver bracket breakdown: Regional 4

Our #GreatestGatorEver bracket is set to continue tomorrow with the opening round of the 4 Regional. Let's get to know that 4 Regional: The bracket Regional participants (Players are listed in order they appear on the bracket.) (1) Emmitt Smith (football, RB-...

#GreatestGatorEver bracket breakdown: Regional 9

#GreatestGatorEver bracket breakdown: Regional 9

Our #GreatestGatorEver bracket is set to continue later today with the opening round of the 9 Regional. With voting in the 8 Regional closing soon, let's familiarize ourselves with said 9 Regional: The bracket Regional participants (Players are listed in order they...

#GreatestGatorEver bracket breakdown: Regional 8

#GreatestGatorEver bracket breakdown: Regional 8

Our #GreatestGatorEver tournament is off and running. Voting for the opening round of the 1 Regional has been completed; the 16 Regional is underway and will wrap up this afternoon. Shortly after its conclusion, the 8 Regional will get underway. So, let's get to know...

#GreatestGatorEver bracket breakdown: Regional 16

#GreatestGatorEver bracket breakdown: Regional 16

Yesterday, voting began in our #GreatestGatorEver bracket in the 1 Regional. Today, voting will continue with the 16 Regional, but before the polls open, let's preview the field and refresh our memories on the players' accomplishments. The bracket Regional...

#GreatestGatorEver bracket breakdown: Regional 1

#GreatestGatorEver bracket breakdown: Regional 1

Voting for the #GreatestGatorEver bracket begins this afternoon. In the name of eliminating potential recentism in the voting, I thought I'd set the stage by previewing each Regional before the voting gets underway. Today, we'll take a look at Regional 1, which of...

2021 guard Kowacie Reeves commits to Florida

2021 guard Kowacie Reeves commits to Florida

Mike White's 2021 recruiting class is off to a great start. Kowacie Reeves (Macon, GA) has committed to Florida. Reeves, a highly sought after four star, also earned offers from North Carolina, Texas, Auburn, Georgia and Seton Hall, among others. This commitment might...

Introducing the Greatest Gator Ever bracket

Introducing the Greatest Gator Ever bracket

Part of what has helped fans make it through a long, frustrating quarantine is the abundance of fan polls on social media. In particular, 64-team, March Madness themed brackets that allow fans to vote on the winner of each matchup in each round have captured a lot of...

Michigan F Colin Castleton transferring to Florida

Michigan F Colin Castleton transferring to Florida

Colin Castleton is coming home, and Florida is adding some more frontcourt depth for the future- potentially even next season. Castleton, who spent the last two seasons at Michigan, will be transferring closer to home and joining Mike White's Gator basketball squad....

Recapping the Gators’ weekend in the 2020 NFL Draft

Recapping the Gators’ weekend in the 2020 NFL Draft

The 2020 NFL Draft has just concluded, and once again, the Florida Gators were very well represented. Below is a list of all the selections from Florida. Click on the player names for further analysis on what they bring to their new teams. Florida Gators in the 2020...

How Dan Mullen fixed a broken Gator football program

How Dan Mullen fixed a broken Gator football program

What was a fractured program less than 30 months ago needed a hero to put it back together. In Dan Mullen, Florida found that hero. This is the story of the toxic culture he walked into, how he went to work taking it apart, and how he's replaced that toxic culture...

Tebow, Spikes, James inducted into UF Hall of Fame

Tebow, Spikes, James inducted into UF Hall of Fame

Three members of the Florida Gators' 2008 football team- universally regarded as one of the best in college football history- are finally getting the ultimate recognition they deserve- spots in the UF Hall of Fame. Explosive kick/return man Brandon James posted a...

Scottie Lewis to return for sophomore year

Scottie Lewis to return for sophomore year

Florida’s basketball team got a sort-of-but-not-really-surprising boost today, as shooting guard Scottie Lewis announced that he will be coming back for his sophomore season. Lewis, a ridiculously athletic kid from southern New Jersey, arrived in Gainesville last fall...

The “Kyle Trask Emory Jones” debate: why not both?

The “Kyle Trask Emory Jones” debate: why not both?

The "Kyle Trask Emory Jones" debate is in full swing. Yes, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic that has, among other things, lengthened college sports fans' offseason, the fanbase-wide argument regarding who should be the starter at the most important position of...

Coronavirus abruptly ends 2019-20 NCAA athletic season

Coronavirus abruptly ends 2019-20 NCAA athletic season

Photo credit: Jamie Squire/Getty Images UPDATE 5:10pm: although it feels wholly logical to assume that college baseball and softball are over for 2020, the language in the two released statements- from the SEC and NCAA, and which you can read below- left one pair of...

TE Nick Elksnis commits to Florida

TE Nick Elksnis commits to Florida

Tight end Nick Elksnis (Jacksonville, FL/Episcopal) has announced his decision to be a Gator, thus netting Florida its first commitment of its Junior Day weekend. In doing so, Elksnis effectively flips from Penn State, from which he decommitted last week....

2020 Florida Gators’ Junior Day visitors list

2020 Florida Gators’ Junior Day visitors list

The Gators' second Junior Day event in Gainesville is upon us, and it's important to keep an eye on because more often than not, Florida uses it to add members to its list of commits. This time around, the chances of the Gators doing so are increased appreciably-...

For Gator basketball, time is running out to figure things out

For Gator basketball, time is running out to figure things out

For much of Saturday's game against Tennessee, Florida couldn’t score. When they finally remembered how to score, they couldn’t come up with the critical stops. In other words, it was a typical basketball game for Mike White’s Gators on the heels of an impressive win....

Four star TE Gage Wilcox commits to Florida

Four star TE Gage Wilcox commits to Florida

Congratulations to Gage Wilcox. You, sir, have just become the first commit for Tim Brewster. Wilcox, a four star tight end from Tampa's Jefferson High School in the Class of 2021, committed on an Instagram Live video, as captured by twitter user @CurtisK421....

Florida takes step forward by throttling LSU

Florida takes step forward by throttling LSU

Photo credit: Florida Gators Maybe this is another mirage, the latest peak in a dizzying array of sine waves for Mike White’s Gator basketball team. Or maybe, after we all erroneously thought this team had turned the corner several times before, this is the game that...