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 season-ending hip surgery," Schlabach notes. "Receivers Vernell Brown III, Dallas Wilson and Naeshaun Montgomery were three of Florida's highest-ranked signees, and J. Michael Sturdivant (UCLA) was one of the top pass catchers in the portal.
Gators players to watch
"Florida's strength coach called linebacker Aaron Chiles an 'alien' before his freshman season because of his exceptional work in the weight room. With Shemar James leaving for the NFL draft, Chiles and Myles Graham will have a chance to make an impact on defense this season. Graham had 30 tackles and one sack in 2024; Chiles had 23 tackles with one sack," he concludes.
About the Orange and Blue Game
The 2025 edition of Florida's final intrasquad scrimmage of the spring will take place inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Saturday, April 12, with the kickoff set for 1 p.m. ET. The game will not be televised but will be open to the public.
Gates will open at 11:30 a.m. ET and all non-reserved parking on campus, including Lots 114 and the Stephen C. O'Connell Center garage, will be available for general parking on a first-come, first-served basis. Admission for the game is free.
The university will honor the 2024-25 national champion men's basketball team during an extended 30-minute halftime event at approximately 2 p.m. ET.
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