ESPN Questions Billy Napier Hot-Seat Talk Ahead of 2025 College Football Season

"The temperature on Billy Napier has cooled considerably, and the Gators have a top-flight quarterback and great expectations again," Thamel wrote. "He's 19-19 through three seasons, and his buyout remains eye-popping at $20.4 million."

Florida is ranked No. 15 in the preseason AP Top 25 to begin this year, which marks the first time the Gators have been ranked by the AP before a season in Napier's tenure. One of the main reasons for these high expectations is star sophomore quarterback DJ Lagway, as Thamel alluded to.

"Athletic director Scott Stricklin gave Napier a midseason vote of confidence last year by announcing he'd return, and Florida responded with a strong finishing kick by winning four straight to close the year," Thamel continued. "Stricklin clearly has his back."

Stricklin, who has, on multiple occasions, spoken publicly on his confidence in Napier, reportedly signed a multi-year extension with the university, which will keep him at Florida through 2030.

With Stricklin sticking around and the talent Florida has on its roster, Napier is most likely not on the hot seat as of now. However, if Florida doesn't have a successful season in 2025, this conversation may look different.