SEC Teams to Watch in 2025- Florida

Mark McLeod, SEC Blitz/Blitz Sports Radio

mark@blitzsportsradio.com

*This is the beginning of a series featuring SEC schools who could emerge as factors in the conference championship race and potential College Football Playoff teams. I will kick hit off with a Florida preview followed by Alabama. Let’s tackle a few key areas for the Gators

One of the two major differences in the program under head coach Billy Napier is experience. Napier has built a culture at Florida where players want to wear the orange & blue and be a part of rebuilding greatness in the Gator Nation. Off the field, the Gators had a 3.48 GPA this spring. He has also added good players via the transfer portal. Are there enough or did Napier need to go deeper?  

The other major difference is that Florida finally has a stud at (nearly) every position group. There are so many upperclassmen due to back-to-back Top 10 recruiting classes and the 2023 class. Many of those elite players have opted to stay at UF. Obviously, they have to keep those guys healthy given the difficult they will play in '25. 

Here is a my take on those elite players:

QB- DJ Lagway

RB- Jadan Baugh

WR- Tre Wilson

OL- Jake Slaughter

DT- Caleb Banks (transfer portal)

DB- Aaron Gates

If you are going to compete for a Southeastern Conference championship, you had better have more than a half-a-dozen kids who are legitimate All-SEC candidates. We have seen this at Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and many years ago at Florida. We also watched Florida State dominate the All-ACC team for decades. 

Florida is not quite there yet, but getting closer. If they can get a few more of redshirt freshman/ true freshmen to develop, it could be a breakout year for the Gators. Unfortunately, many of those potential young studs (QB-DJ Lagway, WR- Tre Wilson, LB- Jaden Robinson, CB- Devon Moore, Nickel- Aaron Gates, S-Asa Turner, DT- Jamari Lyons) struggled with injuries last season. Could Florida have beaten Tennessee with Wilson, Lyons, and Turner last season? 

Is there a player I have overrated? Did I miss somebody? 

I would call defensive tackle Caleb Banks elite because his production in 2024 improved every month. Furthermore, so many of the way-too-early mock drafts have Banks going between overall between pick 25-45. Fellow defensive tackle Jamari Lyons is also highly regarded. 

Aaron Gates? Just watch him. 

-An Elite QB returns in Gainesville-

When healthy, Florida sophomore quarterback DJ Lagway looks like a future Heisman Trophy contender. BetMGM currently has the Willis, Texas native +1800 to win the coveted award behind SEC quarterbacks Arch Manning (+600) and Garrett Nussmeier (+800). He struggled through injuries in '24 and has been limited this spring. He didn’t throw due to shoulder and lower body issues. He is back throwing and even teased us with a video that looked awfully impressive. Still, the Gator Nation is on edge and they’ll live on the edge throughout the summer. 

Lagway has to step out with the first unit when drills begin in August. His skill set gives Florida an added advantage that they simply don’t have with redshirt sophomore Aiden Warner (6’1, 176. Warner, who was recently awarded a a scholarship. They don’t have that advantage with graduate transfer Harrison Bailey (6’4, 237) either. 

My enthusiasm in Lagway is because he is (somewhat) battle-tested against Top 25 competition opposition that includes Georgia, Tennessee, Ole Miss, and Miami. The freshman had a passer rating of 159.6 with five 40+ yard completions in each of his first two career starts. Lagway also had a stretch of 14 consecutive completions. Those are three pretty impressive stats for a team that looked more dead than alive just three games into the season. 

A healthy Lagway with a better understanding of a Florida offense is precisely what head coach Billy Napier needs to run his offense. Will Napier develop as an offensive coordinator? Napier’s offense doesn’t have to depend on Lagway’s legs as a dynamic dual threat quarterback. However, his offenses seemingly run better if opposing defenses are convinced that there is an element to keep them honest. I thought there were 2-3 games where Anthony Richardson could have helped the Gators offense by running an additional 3-4 carries per game because Richardson struggled in the passing game. If Lagway averaged 3-5 carries per game, that might be enough to help Florida. Obviously, the key though is to keep Lagway and a healthy Lagway playing behind a veteran offensive line, surrounded with more talent should be successful. 

Lagway’s top four outings were against Samford (18-25 for 456 yards, 3 TD’s), Tulane (22-35 for 305 yards TD, two INT’s), Ole Miss (10-17 for 180 yards, 2 TD’s, INT), and LSU (13-26 for 226 yards, TD). He was only the fourth Florida freshman quarterback to start a bowl game. 

I would also expect Lagway to make his way to Atlanta for SEC Media Days in July, provided that he is healthy. He would be one of the more popular players made available to the media. 

-Winning the Lines of Scrimmage-

One of the glaring weaknesses at Florida over the past 10+ years has been a lack of dominance along the lines of scrimmage. There were so many issues on the defensive side of the ball early in 2024. Those go ironed out rather quickly when Roberts took over the defense. You also began to see the O-Line improve as the calendar turned from September to October. Let’s start on the offensive said of the ball…

The Gators return four starting offensive lineman, including three redshirt seniors. All-American center Jake Slaughter, left tackle Austin Barber, and right guard Damieon George Jr. have combined for 85 starts. The Gators surrendered only 20 sacks in 2024, 3rd best in the SEC, which is impressive considering Florida lost quarterbacks Graham Mertz (season) and D.J. Lagway (two games). 

According to Pro Football Focus, Slaughter allowed just one sack and no quarterback hits in 402 passing plays. He had a run blanking grade of 80.2%. Barber graded out (73.2%) higher than any other Florida offensive player vs Miami. George graded out with a season-high 89.4 pass blocking grade vs Georgia. 

Who starts at right tackle? It appears to be a two-horse race between a pair of redshirt sophomores. SEC All-Freshman selection Bryce Lovett (6'5, 325) and Caden Jones (6’7, 336) worked one-two in the spring with coaches impressed by both players. 

Florida also has a battle to back-up Barber at left tackle, which is a recent luxury in Hogtown. Redshirt senior Devon Manuel (6’7, 307) and redshirt freshman Fletcher Westphal (6’8, 336). And Florida should be improved on the inside anchored by Slaughter, who should (again) be an All-American selection. There will be battles for key reserve roles there too. 

Defensively, redshirt senior Caleb Banks (6’6, 329) and redshirt junior Jamari Lyons (6’3, 308) figure to be the starters inside. Banks really came on strong the second half of the season with huge games against #21 LSU, which earned him SEC Defensive Player of the Week honors. He followed that up with a big game in the Gators 24-17 upset win over #9 Ole Miss. In those two wins, Banks recorded 14 quarterback pressures, 3.5 sacks, 3.5 tackles for loss, a PBU, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. 

Lyons has recovered from a broken ankle suffered in the ’24 camp. He should be the first guy on the nose for Florida and he’ll have big shoes to fill with Cam Jackson and Big Des Watson exhausting their eligibility and heading for the NFL. 

Sophomore Michai Boireau (6’4, 355) saw 144 plays in his freshman season. He’ll be joined by newly added Baylor transfer Brendan Bett (6’5, 300) lead a talented group inside that will be flanked by improved outside edge rushers and and a talented linebacker room. The Gators surrendered 149.5 yards per game on the ground and nearly 40% of those yards were allowed in the first four games. So, the run defense improved, but needed to be better. 

What will the Gators get out of redshirt sophomore Tarvorise Brown (6’7, 290)? The Hutchinson Community College JUCO transfer played 26 snaps in the Gasparilla Bowl game. He walked on and has since been granted a scholarship. 

Sophomore defensive tackle D’Antre Robinson hit the transfer portal and has made his way to Chapel Hill. 

Florida also has four talented linebackers playing behind them. Juniors Grayson “Pop” Howard (6’4, 232) and Jaden Robinson (6’1, 232) will start and be backed up by talented sophomores Myles Graham (6’1, 227) and Aaron Chiles (6’2, 231), who were Under Armour All-Americans. 

The concern is that Florida may not be deep enough inside, given a rigorous schedule and the number of injuries we see in college football. I thought Florida would reach into the winter transfer portal for additional help inside. Bett was added when D’Antre Robinson went into the portal. 

Florida returns their top four sackmasters from 2024 and the Gators finished 3rd among teams in the Southeastern Conference with 39 sacks. The pass rush by committee approach worked well for Florida led by redshirt senior Tyreak Sapp (6’2, 274), who a few 2026 NFL Mock Drafts have moving into the first round. I don’t know that I see that with his 6’2 height, but Sapp plays with intensity and is a strong leader in the Florida program. Sapp had 13 tackles for loss, seven sacks, and five quarterback hurries in ’24.

Redshirt senior George Gumbs (6’4, 253) and junior Kamran James (6’5, 272) both came on strong in 2024 will help Sapp lead the group. Gumbs had eight tackles for loss and five sacks, while James finished with four tackles for loss, two sacks, and six quarterback hurries. 

2023 Anthony Munoz Defensive Lineman of the Year award winner LJ McCray (6’6, 267) figures to be much improved after his freshman season. McCray is a player who Florida could have move inside and put his hand in the dirt at defensive tackle if necessary. I believe that his flexibility could prove to be a real benefit for the Gators this season.

Florida also added UMass transfer Kofi Asare (6’5, 246) and two talented freshmen- Jayden Woods (6’3, 240), who coaches were very impressed with in the spring. Under Armour All-American Jalen Wiggins (6’4, 270) is a talented young player. 

-Underrated Backs-

The power/speed trio of Jadan Baugh (6’0, 237), Montrell Johnson Jr. (5’11, 216), and Ja’Kobi Jackson (5’9, 220) ran for 1,852 yards and 20 touchdowns. The Florida backs individually averaged over five yards per carry and their combined 5.6 yard average would only be surpassed in the league by Auburn’s Jarquez Hunter (6.4 ypc), Texas A&M’s Le’Veon Moss (6.3 ypc), and Tennessee’s Dylan Sampson (5.8 ypc). Baugh earned Freshman All-SEC honors, while Johnson battled through a knee injury and Jackson earned significant playing time throughout the season. 

Baugh and Jackson will return for Florida in 2025. From the moment he arrived on the Florida campus, Baugh turned heads with his strength and speed. He tied a single-game program record with five rushing touchdowns in his first-ever career start vs Kentucky. Baugh rushed 88 times for 450 yards in the last six games, with 58% of those yards after contact. He has dropped seven pounds to 230 and the Gator Nation can’t wait to see what he will do for an encore. 

The coaches have raved about Jackson’s preparation throughout the winter. He is also demonstrating strong leadership off the field. Jackson had six carries for 37 yards (6.2 ypc) and a touchdown vs LSU. He and Baugh should be a tough 1-2 punch like they were by the end of last season. 

-Talented Wide Receivers-

The speed, athleticism, and talent makes this the best wide receiver group at Florida since the Urban Meyer Era. Finally a strong statement for the Orange & Blue at a talent rich position in The Sunshine State. It’s been dry spell in Gainesville as transfer portal receivers Elijah Badger, Chimere Dike, and Ricky Pearsall have lad the Gators in receiving over the past four years.

In the past 15 months though, Napier and his staff have added tremendous talent to the Gators receiving corps, including: 

Freshman Dallas Wilson

Freshman Vernell Brown III

Sophomore Tank Hawkins

Redshirt Freshman T.J. Abrams

Freshman Naeshaun Montgomery

An obvious concern is the Gators lack of experience. On the plus side is veteran receivers coach Billy Gonzales, who has worked with some of the best in the game. Can Gonzales help develop these young receivers to help Lagway early in the ’25 campaign?

Wilson has the body of an SEC receiver right now standing 6'3, 209. The 5-star high school All-American has displayed impressive route running, fabulous athleticism, speed, and one other key factor that could make him an impact player.

Fellow 5-star freshman Vernell Brown III is incredibly fast and quick. He comes in at 170 pounds, but a few months in the strength and conditioning program may see him at 180 by the start of the season. Special teams coaches are drooling about his potential in the return game. Will he be ready for ’25?

UCLA transfer WR J. Michael Sturdivant is a stud. He stands 6'3, 215 and he can move. The coaches said that he will be able to stretch the field, which is a huge plus after the graduation of Elijah Bedger and Chimere Dike. I have been a little critical of the Florida receiving core because I felt like they needed more length and depth. Well, they have it this year with Sturdivant and Dallas Wilson. Redshirt senior Khalil Jackson is back too and the 6’3 hard-nosed redshirt senior is a tough possession receiver who can block.  

The 2025 headliners are redshirt sophomore Tre Wilson (5’10, 189), redshirt sophomore Aiden Mizell (6’1, 176), and Sturdivant. Wilson saw action in only four games due to injury. He earned 2023 Freshman All-American honors from several publications after hauling in 61 receptions for 538 yards and six touchdowns. Wilson should also be a key factor on special teams. 

The ASPCA may be keeping a close eye on Mizell, who enjoyed his biggest games against any teams represented by dogs. He caught his first career touchdown pass, a 41-yarder from Lagway against Samford. Mizell had a career best (and team high) five receptions vs Mississippi State, which included two 60-yard touchdown passes that were called back because of penalties. Mizell also had a team-high four receptions for 66 yards, including a 43-yard touchdown catch against Georgia. 

Despite limited reps, sophomore Tank Hawkins (5’9, 169) demonstrated enough athleticism, speed, and quickness. What can Florida expect from his development during his sophomore season?

-Gifted Secondary-

The Gators boast a bevy of talent on the back end of the defense, but keeping them healthy has been a grind. At one point during the ’24 season, the Gators had every starter and a couple of key reserves all battling injuries that would keep them off the field. Graduate safety transfer Asa Turner (Washington) didn’t even get his UF career off the ground after suffering a season-ending hamstring injury in the season opener vs Miami that eventually required surgery. Turner received a medical hardship and is expected to return for the Gators. 

The Florida secondary will be under new direction with Co-Defensive Coordinator/Safeties coach Vinnie Sunseri and assistant Deron Wilson replacing Austin Armstrong and Will Harris, who departed for the University of Houston and University of Miami, respectively. 

Redshirt sophomore nickel back Aaron Gates (6’0, 189) and senior corner Deron Moore (6’2, 199) have All-SEC talent, but they have had to battle through injuries since the start of their college careers. These two players are on NFL radars. If they can stay healthy, Roberts and Sunseri would be thrilled. 

Junior safety Jordan Castell (6’2, ) was a 2023 Freshman All-American, but had some struggles last season. The Gators desperately need him to bounce back for a big junior year. Fellow safety Bryce Thornton (5’10, 212) had seven starts and was one of the most improved players during the 2024 season. 

Five-star redshirt sophomore Cormani McClain (6’1, 182) has turned his career around in Gainesville and could find himself playing opposite Moore. He got plenty of spring reps and we were told that he had some very impressive moments that caught the coaches attention. McClain had a beautiful 29-yard interception return vs for a touchdown in his first career start at Florida. 

Keep an eye on redshirt freshman Jamroc Grimsley (6’2, 193) and 5-star legacy Ben Hanks (6’1, 180), who are fighting for playing time too.

Junior Dijon Johnson (6’1, 196) started five games last season and has gained valuable playing time in his UF career. He was booked by Hillsborough County deputies on drug and firearm related offenses (two felonies and two misdemeanors), but has yet to be formally charged according to his attorney, Tim Taylor. Johnson would be fighting for the starting job opposite Moore. 

Extras: Unlike 2024, the Gators have the luxury of laying the groundwork for early success in Gainesville with a season opener against Long Island University and a September 6th in-state battle vs USF before back-to back road trips to Baton Rouge and Miami. 

-Florida could have suffered a major setback in February ’24 when Director of Strength & Conditioning Craig Fitzgerald left his post at Florida after just five weeks to join his good friend Bill O’Brien at Boston College. Fitzgerald has a tremendous reputation and there was a lot of enthusiasm and excitement when Napier brought him to Gainesville. 

Napier stayed in-house and turned to Tyler Miles, who had previously worked at Duke, Miami, and with Boost Performance. The move paid off beautifully, as Miles has taken the bull by the horns and Florida was bigger, stronger, and faster in 2024. 

-Billy Napier will continue calling the plays for Florida in 2025. This is the big stage for Napier because he now has an elite-level quarterback, a veteran offensive line, big, talented backs, playmakers at wide receiver, and a veteran tight end room. If they stay healthy, the offense should be very good. 

This is what he has built. It’s right in his offensive wheelhouse. Napier has made some good decisions running the Gators offense. I like the way that he trusts his backs. I think that he has demonstrated the ability to put DJ Lagway in good passing opportunities. Can you imagine the Florida offense with Tre Wilson, alongside Eli Badger and Chimere Dike? Obviously, a healthy Lagway would have been needed. 

However, he has also been slow to get the offense going at the start of games. He is too predictable on 3rd and 4th down calls and has made some bad decisions in short yardage situations. The two-minute offense going into the half and at the end of games has driven me crazy. Go score. Perhaps Napier will do that now that he has a depth chart with more talent and experience. 

If Napier struggles to run the offense that he built, the Gator Nation will be up in arms. 

Mark McLeod has been covering University of Florida and Southeastern Conference sports for 28 years. Longtime radio host at ESPN/Fox affiliates. @McLeodLive Email: Mark@BlitzSportsRadio.com