Billy Napier on playing three Florida schools in 2024: 'It's a big deal in our state'

Florida’s 2024 football schedule is, arguably, the most difficult in the country going into the season. And that’s in large part because of a trio of non-conference games against in-state competition: Hosting Miami and UCF and ending the season at Florida State in the traditional rivalry.

And the Gators mixing it up with the other three power conference teams in the state is something that’s not lost on head coach Billy Napier. He knows that 2024 is a big opportunity to not only show his rebuild at Florida is headed for success, but earn some local bragging rights.

“Yeah, it’s a unique year. I think ultimately when you think about all the P4 teams, each conference represented to some degree, two teams from the ACC and the Big 12, it’s an incredible opportunity, and I think it’s going to be huge,” Napier said. “Each one of those match-ups is critical. We have a ton of respect for each one of those teams and coaches, and it’s part of the schedule that everybody likes to talk about.”

The first of the in-state showdowns will be the opener for Florida, when the Gators play the Hurricanes in Gainesville. It will be more than a month until the next Sunshine State bout, as Florida plays UCF in the Swamp on Oct. 5.

Then, after a six-game stretch of conference games, the Gators will head out to Tallahassee to face the Seminoles to end the regular season. And depending on how the games against Miami and UCF go, the rivalry showdown to end the year could be the difference between a winning and losing record against in-state competition in 2024.

“Just like I described before, you’ve got to have your team ready to play each week,” Napier said. “All those teams have got great programs, and it’s a big deal in our state. Each one of those match-ups will be critical.”

Napier raved about Florida QB Graham Mertz

Graham Mertz’s offseason progress was the highlight of the Florida offseason, according to Napier.

After transferring in from Wisconsin, Mertz had to reinvent himself. Well, he had to do so again after not having the success and NFL buzz he hoped for after 2023.

Still, the improvements he made this time around are surely going to lead to success, according to his head coach.

“Yeah, I mean, I think what Graham did was he proved himself on the field last year,” Napier said on SEC Network. “And the way he competed, the toughness, the grit, the way he prepared to play, he really set an example in our building on how to prepare. The way he started this offseason is completely different than last and a lot of uncertainty, a lot of unknowns. He was trying to establish himself with a new team, new staff and then he came back with a purpose you know? 

“He’s got middle round grades and he’s trying to improve that but it was more about that. I think he wants to pay back Florida for really helping him reestablish himself as one of the better quarterbacks in the country. So it’s his team, and he’s earned their respect and he has worked that way. He’s had purpose, he’s had a great offseason and I’m extremely proud of him. It’s one of the best things, it’s the top of the list (of) best things that’s happened to Florida football this offseason.”