Greg McElroy shares what makes Florida ‘special’ in 2025
By Rolando Rosa
Published:
Simply put, Florida has massively underwhelmed during Billy Napier’s first 3 seasons at the helm. The Gators have yet to crack double-digit victories and finished 10th in the SEC last season.
However, Florida is ranked No. 17 in the preseason coaches’ poll and ESPN analyst Greg McElroy is also high on Florida heading into the 2025 season. McElroy has the Gators at No. 16 in his preseason rankings and believes the line of scrimmage will be a big factor in turning things around.
“This is probably a little higher than most people are evaluating the Gators right now,” McElroy said. “The thing that makes them special this year potentially is the scrimmage play. On offense they bring back four starters from an offensive line that was really, really good. Jake Slaughter was an All-American last year at center. The offensive line should be a real position of strength.”
While acknowledging dynamic quarterback DJ Lagway, McElroy insists the ground attack will truly tip the scales for Florida. McElroy foresees plenty of open space to operate for the Gators’ ballcarriers.
“Knowing how Billy Napier calls the offense, they are going to lean on that offensive line,” McElroy said. “They’re going to lean on that run game. Everybody wants to talk about their quarterback. No one’s going to deny the talent that’s in DJ Lagway’s body but it’s the run game that’s really going to make this engine go and make Florida a difficult team to defend.”
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Florida will try to get the rushing attack firing beginning with a home contest vs. Long Island on Aug. 30 (7 p.m. ET/ESPN+).
