LIU arrives to the Sunshine State in less than two weeks, but to quote Coach Napier there is still grass to mow. 

By Loren Meadows, GatorBaitMedia.com, Football Analyst, Host-The Lowdown with Loren Meadows

Receiver Eugen Wilson III (Chris Spears photo)

The Florida Gators have enjoyed a drama free offseason for the most part as a four game win streak to close the season gave the Gators an 8-win season for the first time since 2020. While the absence of participation by quarterback DJ Lagway has been a talking point for many this offseason the quarterback is thought by many to be the best in the SEC if healthy. Yet outside of the obvious, Lagway’s health, there are still a few things the Gators must take care off before the school formerly known as C.W. Post arrives to The Swamp on August 30th.

1.     Get everyone not named DJ Lagway healthy as well-In the next two weeks the athletic trainers at Florida could be the most important folks on campus as the Gators will look to ensure that the minor injuries to some of the Gators most important pieces are available as soon as possible. Names like Eugene Wilson III, Dallas Wilson, LJ McCray, and Pup Howard are just as important as Lagway when it comes to what the Gators do best and all have dealt with injuries that have limited them during fall camp. Should the injuries continue to linger it could affect the Gators ability to fine tune the small things that can win or lose close football games.

2.     One voice, one sound (especially on defense)-The Gators clearly had communication issues both on and off the field that led to confusion and disconnect early in the season for the defense. While the issues seemed to clean themselves up late in the season, the Gators brought in three new defensive coaches who at face value have fit in well. The key will be for Ron Roberts, now the sole play-caller on defense to make sure all three levels are on the same page when the Gators line up against some of the nation’s top quarterbacks.

3.     Finalize rotations-Right now everybody gets a turn, but in the next two weeks the rotations at defensive line, wide receiver, and in the secondary will need to be established. On paper this is the deepest and most talented roster the Gators have fielded in five years. Who goes where and when will need to be made clear to make sure the afore mentioned communication issues are a thing of the past. Personnel groupings will be key for the diverse offenses and defense the Gators will face, and the initial tree shaking will need to be done with confidence and clarity by Coach Napier and staff.

4.     Lighten up but keep competing-For three seasons many questioned how hard the Gators were practicing in preparation for their opponents. While Coach Napier would never admit it, he did agree that the Gators needed to compete more in practice. To Napier’s credit, that competition seemed to produce a more physical and focused football team late last season. As the Gators break camp with some key injuries there could be an unintended lack of intensity in order to make sure no one else ends up in the cold tub. The Gators will need to be mindful to scale back the physical contact while keeping things lively and competitive as they prepare over the next two weeks.

Led by one of the nation’s best at quarterback and a roster ranked in the Top 10 in talent index the Gators are expected to certainly eclipse the 8 wins from 2024. Should the Gators clean up the little things, get fairly healthy, and maintain their edge, the 2025 version looks to be as good as advertised. Still, there is grass to mow, leaves to rake, and getting it all bagged up before the Gators reintroduce themselves to the college football world and the Florida faithful.