Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports via Imagn Images

4-Star RB Didn't Hold Back on Florida After Firing Billy Napier

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Oct 23, 2025 1:39 PM ET

Billy Napier was fired on Sunday after leading the Florida Gators to a 3-4 start in 2025. After taking over as head coach in 2022, he ended his time in Gainesville going 22-23 and 1-1 in bowl games.

Firing a head coach has several ripple effects for every program. That includes the recruitment department. Napier had already been recruiting players in the 2027 cycle, including running back Tranard Roberts.

Out of Williston, Florida, Rivals Industry Rankings place him as a four-star recruit, the No. 15 running back and the No. 212 player in the nation. Roberts had already taken six unofficial visits with the Gators.

Despite the mutual interest, Roberts revealed to Rivals' Hayes Fawcett that Florida is no longer one of his top schools.

Former Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier.© Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

“At once Florida was my top school, but after the firing of Billy Napier they got off of my chart,” Roberts told Fawcett. “He played a big part in them being my top school because Napier is for the kids and had great relationships thought the program. I don’t want to go to a school that doesn’t have coaching stability as of right now.”

Instead, Roberts is now deciding between Tennessee, Michigan, Ohio State, Auburn and Miami. He also revealed that the Wolverines are "setting the pace."

It's disappointing for Florida, but not expected. Penn State, which fired James Franklin, is going through a similar situation. They've had a handful of decommitments, including from five-star running back Kemon Spell.

With Napier gone, Florida is trying to limit the damage. Even though Roberts is off the board, stringing together wins with interim head coach Billy Gonzales is important.

The Gators' next matchup is against Georgia in Week 10.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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