Greg McElroy labels Florida among most improved teams in college football

Greg McElroy labeled Florida as one of the most improved teams in college football. Now, a 5-5 record is nothing to write home about when it comes to championships.

But for Billy Napier, there was plenty of writing on the wall regarding his uncertain future. Once AD Scott Stricklin gave him a vote of confidence for 2025, things started to turn.

As as McElroy pointed out, young bucks stepped up to aid the cause in Florida.

“Florida has quietly been one of the most improved teams in the country,” McElroy said on Always College Football. “Now they knock off LSU this past weekend. Tigers are now done from the SEC championship game race. But what’s most significant about this performance is Florida now gets to 505, they need just one win to get bowl eligibility. And it can come this week, perhaps against the top 10 Ole Miss team, or it could come against a 1-9 Florida State team. A win in either gets (them) into the postseason. And most people coming into the season thought that that was highly unlikely.” 

Florida turning things around just in time?

DJ Lagway and Jaden Baugh are key offensive cogs at QB and RB and they’re both true freshmen. So it seems like the future is bright for Florida.

“And what’s most important about this win for Billy Napier is it’s validation,” McElroy said. “And it’s a sign of the things to come. Because earlier, a couple weeks ago, Florida’s athletic department, they come out and they say, ‘Hey, Billy Napier is going to be our head coach in 2025.’ 

“Well, this win is validation of making the correct decision. The progress is obvious. And you look at the two plays like I said, that put this thing out of reach. Both those plays were made by members of the 2024 recruiting class: (RB Jaden) Baugh and (DJ) Lagway, both true freshmen, both with the game on the line, delivered for their team down the stretch.”

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.”