The 2025 Florida Gators football team, under the leadership of fourth-year head coach Billy Napier, enters the season with aspirations to rebound from a challenging 2024 campaign. With a blend of experienced players and promising newcomers, the Gators aim to make a significant impact in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
Head Coach: Billy Napier (4th year)
Offensive Coordinators: Rob Sale (4th year), Russ Callaway (2nd year)
Defensive Coordinator: Ron Roberts (2nd year)
Napier continues to instill his vision for the program, emphasizing discipline and development. Sale and Callaway collaborate on a spread-option offense, while Roberts leads a 3-3-5 defensive scheme aimed at increasing versatility and speed on defense.
 Offense
Quarterback
The quarterback position features a competition between redshirt senior Clay Millen, a transfer from Colorado State, and freshman DJ Lagway, a highly touted recruit from Willis, Texas. Millen brings experience and a strong arm, while Lagway offers athleticism and dual-threat capabilities.
 Running Backs
The backfield is led by redshirt senior Ja’Kobi Jackson, providing power and experience. Freshman Duke Clark adds speed and agility, offering a change of pace. Redshirt freshman KD Daniels also figures into the rotation, contributing depth to the unit.
Wide Receivers & Tight Ends
The receiving corps includes redshirt senior Kahleil Jackson and redshirt junior Alex Gonzalez, both of whom have shown reliability and playmaking ability. At tight end, redshirt junior Tony Livingston and redshirt junior Hayden Hansen provide size and versatility, serving as key targets in the passing game.
Offensive Line
The offensive line boasts experience with redshirt senior Austin Barber anchoring the unit. Redshirt senior Damieon George Jr., a transfer from Alabama, adds size and strength. Redshirt sophomore Caden Jones and redshirt freshman Fletcher Westphal are expected to contribute significantly, enhancing the line’s depth and stability.
Defense
Defensive Line
The defensive front is anchored by redshirt senior Caleb Banks, a transfer from Louisville, and sophomore D’Antre Robinson, both providing size and disruption in the interior. Redshirt junior Brien Taylor Jr. adds depth and experience to the line.
Linebackers
Junior Jaden Robinson leads the linebacker corps with his tackling prowess and leadership. Redshirt freshman Matthew Kade and redshirt sophomore Jake Xeller are expected to step up, contributing to the unit’s depth and versatility.
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Secondary
The secondary features redshirt sophomore Cormani McClain, a highly regarded cornerback known for his coverage skills. Senior Devin Moore and junior Dijon Johnson provide experience and stability at the safety positions, aiming to bolster the pass defense.
 Special Teams
Senior Trey Smack returns as the placekicker, bringing consistency and a strong leg. Redshirt freshman Nicholas Inglis is expected to handle punting duties, while redshirt senior Rocco Underwood continues as the long snapper, ensuring reliability in special teams operations.
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2025 Florida Schedule
The Gators’ 2025 schedule presents a mix of non-conference and SEC challenges:
- Aug 30: vs. Long Island University
- Sep 6: vs. South Florida
- Sep 13: at LSU
- Sep 20: at Miami (FL)
- Oct 27: bye
- Oct 4: vs. Texas
- Oct 11: at Texas A&M
- Oct 18: Mississippi State
- Oct 25: bye
- Nov 1: at  vs. Georgia (Jax)
- Nov 8: vs. at Kentucky
- Nov 15: at Ole Miss
- Nov 22: Tennessee
- Nov 29: vs. Florida State
The schedule includes two bye weeks on Sep 27 and Oct 25, providing opportunities for rest and preparation.
 Outlook
The 2025 Florida Gators aim to rebound and compete for a stronger position in the SEC. With a blend of veteran leadership and promising talent, the team seeks to improve upon previous seasons. Key factors for success include the development of the quarterback position, consistency in the offensive line, and the defense’s ability to adapt to the 3-3-5 scheme. Special teams stability also plays a crucial role in close contests. Navigating a challenging schedule, the Gators have opportunities to make significant strides and reestablish themselves as contenders within the conference.
Predicting Florida’s 2025 Season
Aug. 30 Long Island 19, Florida 41
Sept. 6 South Florida 19, Florida 38
Sept. 13 Florida 31, LSU 41
Sept. 20 Florida 21, Miami 20
Oct. 4 Texas 38, Florida 25
Oct. 11 Florida 32, Texas A&M 36
Nov. 1 Georgia 27, Florida 29
Nov. 8 Florida 41, Kentucky 37
Nov. 15 Florida 27, Ole Miss 42
Nov. 22 Tennessee 24, Florida 20
Nov. 29 Florida State 40, Florida 41
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Quoting Billy Napier
Obviously the 12-team playoff this year being ranked I think potentially may help us a little bit in that regard um you if you balloon into a 16 play 16 playoff you know potentially you got to take into account are we playing a ninth the SEC game our Florida State game is not going away right so big picture up for us I think we’ve still got a few more power fives power fours I should say on the schedule for the future um you know I think for us we’re focused on what we can do to get the team ready. I think we have those conversations with our AD but yeah hopefully the strength of schedule and the metrics that we’re using to evaluate that you know.
I think that’s the important part here how do we incorporate some of these analytics and to evaluate you know who you’ve played how good they are the body of work I think that’s the important part how were you guys able to turn a corner back half last season I think we have good kids I think our staff, I think we built really good camaraderie connection throughout the offseason, and yeah I just think the makeup is a locker room ultimately we don’t get it done unless we have got a a group that would take ownership i think there was a high level of accountability.
Florida Head Football coach Billy Napier talks at the SEC Spring Meetings. May 30, 2025.