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Believe it or not, Florida football fans, the spring practice season is nearly over. Maybe the Gator Nation was distracted by the national championship won by the men’s basketball team — it certainly has not been the baseball team — but the culmination of the program’s efforts will take place inside Ben Hill Griffin on Saturday in the 2025 Orange and Blue Game.
Expectations are high for Billy Napier and Co. in their fourth year at the helm of the team, especially with potential Heisman Trophy candidate DJ Lagway slated to start under center. However, Florida’s star quarterback has been dealing with some injury issues that have slowed him down this spring.
Nonetheless, the show must go on. Ahead of the intrasquad showdown, ESPN’s Mark Schlabach previewed Florida’s spring game and offered the following takes.
Florida football’s spring storyline
“Embattled Gators coach Billy Napier completely flipped the narrative on his future at Florida by guiding his team to four straight victories to finish with an 8-5 record in 2024. That winning streak included upsets of then-No. 22 LSU and then-No. 9 Ole Miss,” Schlabach begins.
“Much of the optimism is because of quarterback DJ Lagway, who was 6-1 as the starter as a freshman, and a veteran offensive line. Lagway threw for 1,915 yards with 12 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He has been limited throughout spring practice because of shoulder and lower-body injuries and won’t play Saturday,” he continues.
“Florida will play another brutal schedule in 2025 with road games at LSU, Miami, Texas A&M and Ole Miss and a neutral-site contest against Georgia.”
Position of intrigue: Wide receiver
“Finding Lagway dependable targets on the perimeter will be a focus this spring. Top receivers Elijhah Badger and Chimere Dike departed for the NFL, and Eugene Wilson III is coming back from…
Source link : https://gatorswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/gators/football/2025/04/11/florida-football-orange-and-blue-game-preview/83042992007/
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Publish date : 2025-04-11 15:22:00
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