UF coach Billy Napier plans to remain offensive play-caller after USF upset

Field Level Media|published: Mon 8th September, 14:12 2025

Sep 6, 2025; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier talks with Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) against the South Florida Bulls during the first quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Even while the sky seems to be falling in Gainesville, Florida head coach Billy Napier won't be making any sweeping changes.

Two days after the Gators (1-1) were stunned in an 18-16 home loss to South Florida, Napier said in his weekly press conference Monday that he remains the offensive play-caller and has given no thought to turning that role over to anyone else.

Two games into the season without having faced any Power Four teams, UF ranks 68th nationally in yards per game (408.0) and 74th in yards per play (5.84).

In Saturday's loss, the Gators allowed seven tackles for loss and scored just one touchdown with two field goals in three red-zone trips.

After an offseason of hype, UF quarterback DJ Lagway hasn't gotten off to the best start to his sophomore campaign. He's thrown for 342 yards, four touchdowns and one interception, but his 6.7 yards per pass attempt ranks 81st nationally among eligible QBs.

While things could improve going forward for the Gators after a slow offensive start, it'll have to come against an incredibly brutal stretch of schedule.

Florida's next three games are against teams currently ranked in the top seven, starting at No. 3 LSU on Saturday, at No. 5 Miami on Sept. 20 and home vs. No. 7 Texas on Oct. 4.

Eight of the Gators' final 10 games are against teams currently ranked in the top 25.

--Field Level Media

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