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Pressure Mounts on Florida’s Billy Napier as No. 3 LSU Looms After USF Upset

A near-$20 million buyout makes an immediate firing unlikely despite renewed hot-seat chatter.

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Gators quarterback DJ Lagway scrambles against USF at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
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Florida football coach Billy Napier discusses a call with the referee during his team's game against South Florida at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Overview

  • Florida fell out of the AP Top 25 after an 18-16 home loss to South Florida marked by 11 penalties for 103 yards and an ejection for spitting.
  • Billy Napier enters Week 3 at 20-20 overall with Florida, with heightened scrutiny tied to game-management issues and a 10-14 SEC record.
  • The Gators begin a daunting run at No. 3 LSU, followed by a trip to No. 5 Miami, a bye, then No. 7 Texas at home and a visit to ranked Texas A&M.
  • Napier’s buyout is reported at 85% of his remaining contract — about $19.38 million after this season — with roughly half due within 30 days if he is dismissed.
  • LSU is 2-0 behind a stingy defense and QB Garrett Nussmeier, Brian Kelly defended Napier as a “really good coach,” and oddsmakers favor the Tigers by about 7.5 points.