The Florida Gators suffered its first loss in program history to USF. on Saturday. Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Social Media Reacts to Florida Gators' Loss to USF

Originally posted on Florida Gators on SI
By Dylan Olive | Last updated Sep 7, 2025 7:04 PM ET

The Florida Gators' undefeated streak against in-state opponent South Florida came to an end Saturday, marking a new low in Gainesville under head coach Billy Napier.

"Not good enough, and it's my responsibility," Napier said. "... I think that we can do much better, we can coach better, we can play better. Obviously, I don't like these any more than our fans do or you do. We have to do much better. I think that we have a group that will respond, and tomorrow we'll present that opportunity."

The Gators, who entered the night with high expectations and in high regards amongst the nation, now seem with no place to go, once again in a lost season almost before it even began. A popular talking point amongst the media ahead of a season with plenty of promise, Florida was once again a popular talking point on the night, this time for all the wrong reasons.

After the loss, social media exploded with most reactions heavily criticizing Napier's coaching performance.

Instant Reaction

To be clear: defensive breakdown was inexcusable. But this entire debacle is on the offense and Napier.

Poor play calling. No trust in Lagway's shoulder. And way too many undisciplined mistakes.

Only one guy to blame for all that: Napier.
— Mark Long (@APMarkLong) September 6, 2025

Trash is being thrown onto the field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
— Nick Marcinko (@marcinko_nick) September 6, 2025

FIRE BILLY NAPIER ON THE FIELD NOW. pic.twitter.com/lhAGZI3NBh
— Florida Gators (@gatorsszn) September 6, 2025

Billy Napier should be fired on the field. Enough is enough, Florida.
— Brandon Walker (@BFW) September 6, 2025

How dumb can Brendan Bett be? Spitting on a player, much less in this situation? Where’s the impulse control? The game is on the line and we JUST saw what happened to Jalen Carter. pic.twitter.com/mVzRKPimU4
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) September 6, 2025

FINAL: USF 18, #Gators 16

Not much to say. USF is much better than past seasons, but this is an inexcusable loss for Billy Napier and his program.

Just bad. pic.twitter.com/vPiHU8fcGL
— Cam Parker (@camparker25) September 6, 2025

Florida paid South Florida $500K to play in Gainesville.

USF just upset #13 Florida 18-16. pic.twitter.com/EwwziaVKZy
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) September 6, 2025

When you're a 17.5-point favorite and don't score even 17.5 there are problems.
— Edgar Thompson (@osgators) September 7, 2025

Former Players React

RB La’Mical Perine (2016-19)

No way we still running this high school offense man ‍♂️
— La’Mical Perine (@LP_deucedeuce) September 7, 2025

WR Jacob Copeland (2018-21)

Napier is some
— Jacob Copeland (@JCope1era) September 7, 2025

LB Teradja Mitchell (2023)

WTF bro. HOW ?!
— Teradja Mitchell (@teeraaw__) September 7, 2025

Really wish Coach Napier would’ve got a OC .. still think he’s helluva coach! Just CEO typa coach, that needs a OC
— Teradja Mitchell (@teeraaw__) September 7, 2025

TE Jonathan Odom (2020-2023)

Treated a lot of his players like it too
— Jonathan Odom (@Odom_87) September 7, 2025

RB Fred Taylor (1994-97)

☹️
— Fred Taylor (@FredTaylorMade) September 6, 2025

TE Arlis Boardingham (2022-24)

— Arlis Boardingham (@Arlisb42) September 7, 2025

Recruits

Happens. Nobody's perfect, telling you we'll bounce back
— Desmond Green (@DesmondGreen76) September 7, 2025

Stay over there!! Go Gators #CAMO
— JaReylan McCoy (@JaReylanMcCoy) September 7, 2025

Florida OT commit Javarii Luckas was contacted by USF immediately after its upset win in the Swamp, via @Corey_Bender

“One coach from there texted me after the game asking if I enjoyed the game…”

Read: https://t.co/IeoCYyC1FT pic.twitter.com/5dWoLV9E5R
— Rivals (@Rivals) September 7, 2025