Billy Napier evaluates reason Florida program has hope moving forward

There’s a lot of hope in Florida and Billy Napier, moving forward, at least that’s what the head coach preached after beating LSU.

It’s a long rebuilding process that some don’t have the patience for, but Napier preached it after knocking off the Tigers. There are pieces in place, including freshman QB DJ Lagway who’s on board with Napier going into 2025.

It’s all about the culture for Napier and Florida and the journey back towards championship contender continues.

“The players reflect that, you know. I think obviously we’re trying to create a culture here,” Napier said. “I think the intangibles of the group are what we would want from our players. Obviously, the football needs to continue to improve. I do think it is improving, and I think that’s a result of each individual player contributing the way we practice, the way we prepare throughout the week. If you’re going to have a good football thing, you’ve got to do it all. I think this group continues to show that they’re up for the challenge. 

“Now, when we recruited these guys, you know, part of the sale was like, Look, you have to understand, you have to be up for the challenge, right? If we’re going to rebuild this place and create a championship contender, it will be rocky at times, and you got to be a tough guy, and you got to be up for the challenge. You know, I think this group has proved they’re up for that, and we need to continue the work.” 

Billy Napier hopeful for future of Florida football

Napier pointed out his players could’ve packed it in, same with the staff, and given up on a season that wasn’t going to result in the College Football Playoff.

“We’re right in the middle of this journey here,” Napier said. “It’s harder than ever, in my opinion, just I think these guys could have pointed fingers and splintered a long time ago. That’s what I’m most proud of. We played well tonight, but the way they’ve handled their business throughout the year, for them to continue to show up and work and care for each other and try to get better and compete, I think we’re learning how to win. And ultimately, I think beliefs, the most powerful, belief and hope are the most powerful things in the world and I think we’ve got to just (continue and I’m) proud of the players.”

If you look too far ahead, you’ll lose sight of what’s in front of you.

“We talked all week about working as if we’re on a one day contract, right,” Napier said. “And every day, hey, look, if we’re watching you the entire day and evaluating how you work, would you get the call back for the next day, you know? And I think they took that personal. 

“And I think that we had a good day every day of the week. I thought we built momentum towards the end of the week. And certainly they played that way, with that type of attitude tonight.”