What did Klatt say now?
Joel Klatt Brutally Snubs Florida Gators For One Simple Reason originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Billy Napier and the Florida Gators face a crucial season as DJ Lagway prepares to play his first full season as their starting quarterback.
Unanimously, Lagway has been accepted as an upcoming star. Hopes from the Gators have been fairly high because of his explosive play.
But ESPN analyst Joel Klatt believes it isn't Lagway's talent that will dictate how the season unfolds. Looking at the top ten teams with the potential to reach their first college playoff, Klatt put the Gators in ninth.
He sees their schedule as a nightmare, which prevents them from being considered a possible playoff contender.
Gators have six games against marquee teams, including the Texas Longhorns and Georgia Bulldogs. Billy Napier and co will be hosting both of these powerhouses.
Outside those home games, they have four brutal away games at the LSU Tigers, Miami Hurricanes, Ole Miss Rebels, and Texas A&M Aggies.
These games will take a toll on the depth and the durability. Coach Napier will have to carefully manage his roster if they want to make a deep run.
College playoffs are a distant dream for the Gators, though. The path to CFP goes through their toughest competition. Even if they manage to post a 9-3 record, it will be a long shot.
But if one changes perspective and looks at it from their point of view, a 9-3 record with their schedule is commendable and a job well done.
Despite Lagway's immediate impact, he's still struggling with injuries and will need to take care of his body when he decides to take matters into his own 'legs'.
The Gators' QB has weapons, like Dallas Wilson, on the outside, along with a strong backfield. They've also done well at the line of scrimmage, and it looks like that trend will continue.
Coach Napier has done an excellent job of reversing the narrative around his status with the Gators. But will this brutal schedule come in the way of his success?
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: General Sports
