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2d ago

Five-INT LSU Loss Puts Napier Under Fire as Florida Heads to Miami

A daunting run of top-10 opponents now looms, raising stakes for a fourth-year coach still searching for answers on offense.

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 06: Head coach Billy Napier of the Florida Gators looks on during the 4th quarter of a game against the South Florida Bulls at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on September 06, 2025 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
Sep 13, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier looks on against the LSU Tigers during the second half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
DJ Lagway #2 of the Florida Gators is tackled by Phillip Wright III #15 of the LSU Tigers at Tiger Stadium on Sept. 13, 2025 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Florida head coach Billy Napier watches from the sideline in the first half of an NCAA college football game against LSU, Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, in Baton Rouge, La. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Overview

  • Florida fell 20-10 at No. 3 LSU, where quarterback DJ Lagway threw five interceptions and the offense managed just one touchdown for a second straight week.
  • Billy Napier said the Gators are “close to being pretty dangerous” and “a dozen plays” from 3-0, emphasizing adjustments over wholesale changes.
  • Florida’s defense has allowed only two touchdowns in three games and forced multiple three-and-outs at LSU, but standout tackle Caleb Banks is out for an extended period with a foot injury.
  • ESPN’s Paul Finebaum predicted Napier will not return next year absent a turnaround, as reporting highlights a $20.4 million buyout in his contract.
  • Next up is a trip to No. 4 Miami before Texas and Texas A&M, a stretch scrutinized as decisive for Napier as he carries a 5-14 road record with no ranked road wins at Florida.