Florida's season and Billy Napier's future rest on this one thing

The time is now for Florida football. The once-proud SEC program has fallen on hard times, but if last season was any indication, good times could be coming back to The Swamp.

The Gators have stuck with head coach Billy Napier despite a troublesome 19-19 record through three seasons. A 4-0 record with upset wins over No. 21 LSU and No. 9 Ole Miss to close 2024 provided a glimmer of hope, as did the development of star freshman quarterback DJ Lagway.

The Gators are moving in the right direction, but one thing could stand in the way: Lagway's health.

The sophomore went 6-1 last season, but missed a game-and-a-half due to a hamstring injury. He then missed spring practice due to a shoulder injury that could eventually need surgery and returned to practice Aug. 2 following a calf strain.

The former Gatorade National Player of the Year is a Heisman contender, but there's a big "what if" looming. What if his body never allows him to reach his potential?

Much has been made about athletic director Scott Stricklin sticking with Napier, and Lagway is a large reason why Napier still has a job. Lagway was supposed to sit behind Graham Mertz last season, but a season-ending injury to Mertz paved the way for Lagway's debut.

The results are undeniable. Lagway can ball. In his six wins as a starter, he averaged 259.8 yards per game with eight touchdowns. It was a flash of greatness during a trying season.

The pressure is amped up in 2025. Yes, Napier is building something. Florida is ranked No. 17 in the preseason coaches' poll. But if Lagway's health betrays him and the Gators plummet this season? Napier is most likely gone, and perhaps Lagway is too. 

It's a make-your-stomach-turn scenario for Florida, but the reality is that Lagway has struggled to stay healthy. Can he be counted on throughout the most grueling FBS schedule in the country? Seven of Florida's 12 games are against preseason top 25 teams.