From 2005 to 2010, the Florida football program won 13 games three times, including two BCS Championships under the tutelage of then-head coach Urban Meyer. The Gators have shown promise in the post-Meyer era, with double-digit winning seasons under Will Muschamp, Jim McElwain, and Dan Mullen. However, each coaching stint ended in an abrupt finish, with the trio failing to eclipse seven wins in their final seasons before parting with the program. Florida is now on their fourth head coach post-Meyer, with Billy Napier only 11-14 in his first two seasons.
Unlike his previous three predecessors, Napier hopes to improve as his time in Gainsville progresses, although he is off to a rocky start. Unfortunately for Napier, one major media outlet believes it will be tough sledding to make a drastic jump in year three regarding the win column. Per ESPN FPI, the Florida football program will house the most challenging schedule in the country next season, followed by seven other SEC schools (Mississippi State, Georgia, Kentucky, Alabama, Auburn, Oklahoma, and Tennessee).
Florida Football: Hardest Schedule in 2024
Hardest Schedules in College Football for 2024 according to ESPN FPI:
1. Florida
2. Mississippi State
3. Georgia
4. Kentucky
5. Auburn
6. Alabama
7. Oklahoma
8. Tennessee
9. Georgia Tech
10. Texas
11. Purdue
12. UCLA
13. Washington
14. Vanderbilt
15. Illinois
16. Ohio State
17.… pic.twitter.com/DmJl4gsEmI— College Football Report (@CFBRep) June 3, 2024
Florida football will return home for a contest against the Kentucky Wildcats before enjoying a bye week heading into the most brutal stretch of their schedule. Florida will play five games in November, starting with a neutral-site game against powerhouse Georgia. They will then travel to Austin to face the Texas Longhorns, formerly of the Big 12. The Gators will finish their season with a home game against LSU, another home contest against Ole Miss, and a hostile road matchup against Florida State. All five of their November opponent won at least ten games in 2023.
Florida Gators: Seeking Improved Season Under Billy Napier
Quarterback Graham Mertz posted a super-efficient season last year, throwing for 2,903 yards and 20 touchdowns against three interceptions. Leading rusher Montrell Johnson will also return in 2024. Florida also added three potential starters through the transfer portal, highlighted by former Arizona State wideout Elijhah Badger. The Gators also added transfer players on the defensive side of the ball, while safety Jordan Castell will also return to lead the secondary.
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