Overview

• An 18-16 home loss to South Florida dropped Florida out of the rankings and intensified calls for change, leaving Billy Napier at 20-20 through four seasons.
• Florida now visits No. 3 LSU and No. 5 Miami before hosting No. 7 Texas, with Texas A&M soon after, a run many analysts view as decisive for Napier’s job status.
• Athletic director Scott Stricklin has signaled patience despite public pressure, a stance influenced by a buyout of about $19.38 million, with roughly half reportedly due within 30 days if he is fired.
• Napier said he will remain the primary play-caller and plans to “double down,” stressing improvement after penalties and miscues marred the USF defeat.
• Speculation about potential replacements has surfaced, including a radio host’s claim that Jon Gruden could be “in play” if a change occurs, as recruiting jitters surfaced with other programs contacting a 2026 commit.