Florida pitched the decision to bring back coach Billy Napier as one focused on the program’s future. The reality of the situation is that paying Napier’s $27 million buyout made less sense at a time when a fraction of that total can be used to develop a roster that can compete on a weekly basis with the best teams in the SEC.
This decision may end up being one of the smarter economic allocations in recent Bowl Subdivision history. In a dream scenario, Napier’s program turns a corner over the next year. If not, the Gators fire him next November or December and pay a smaller buyout number.
The future is uncertain, basically. But the present isn’t all that bad: Florida beat No. 22 LSU 27-16 for what may be the hallmark win of Napier’s tenure. And with freshman quarterback DJ Lagway back in the lineup after missing last week’s loss to Texas, the Gators seem poised to earn a bowl berth and potentially post a winning season for the first time since 2020.
Lagway largely outplayed LSU junior Garrett Nussmeier in completing 13 of 26 passes for 226 yards and a score. Nussmeier threw for 260 yards but averaged a season-low 5.5 yards per attempt.
Crucially, Lagway avoided any turnovers in a game that went back and forth until freshman running back Jadan Baugh’s 55-yard touchdown pushed Florida ahead by two possessions with just under four minutes to go.
Florida defensive back Dijon Johnson (27) reacts after a defensive stop against LSU during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
The Gators will be heavy underdogs in next week’s game against No. 11 Mississippi but are poised to capture bowl eligibility in the season finale against rival Florida State. Given the drama of this season — from Napier’s job security through quarterback Graham Mertz’s season-ending injury through the nastiest schedule…
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