NCAA College Football: Last Season in Review – Florida Gators

The 2024 Florida Gators season was a rollercoaster ride of frustration, redemption, and late-season hope. The team started 2-5 and looked lost. Billy Napier’s seat was on fire. The offense had no rhythm. The defense couldn’t get stops. Fans were tuning out.

Then something clicked. Florida finished 5-1 down the stretch, winning key games, making a bowl, and putting together a convincing performance to close out the year at 7-6. It wasn’t a perfect season—but it was the kind of turnaround that changes the tone of a program and redefines a coach’s future.

Early Season Struggles

The first half of the season was tough to watch. Florida couldn’t finish drives. The offensive line broke down. And the quarterback rotation between Graham Mertz and freshman DJ Lagway left the offense disjointed. The Gators dropped four of their first five SEC games, including a lopsided loss to Kentucky that had fans ready to hit reset.

The defense was a problem as well—slow to react, soft against the run, and undisciplined in the red zone. Opponents averaged nearly 30 points per game through October. It wasn’t just that Florida was losing—they were getting exposed.

The Turnaround

The LSU game, despite being a loss, marked a turning point. Lagway saw extended snaps and brought life to the offense. The Gators moved faster, hit more big plays, and started leaning into a physical ground game behind Trevor Etienne. Napier simplified the game plan and let his athletes take over.

From that point on, Florida looked like a different team. They beat Missouri on the road, handled South Carolina, and closed the regular season with a tight win over Florida State. The bowl game sealed it—a convincing 34-17 win over NC State where Lagway looked like a future star.

Next Season Outlook

Now the question is: can they build on it?

DJ Lagway is expected to be the full-time starter in 2025, and he brings real upside. Etienne is likely headed to the NFL, but Florida’s running back room remains deep. The offensive line needs retooling, but the second-half improvement gives reason for optimism.

Defensively, there’s still work to do. Florida needs to get tougher up front, faster at linebacker, and more aggressive in coverage. If Napier can bring in the right transfers and develop the younger players who gained experience in 2024, the Gators could be dangerous.

Napier bought himself another year—but now the expectations are real. No more moral victories. No more collapses. In 2025, Florida has to prove it’s back to competing in the SEC.

Betting Breakdown – How to Bet the Gators on Bet105

Florida was two different teams in 2024—and for bettors, that meant opportunities if you timed it right. Early in the season, fading the Gators paid off. But those who tracked their late-season turnaround were rewarded with big value, especially on moneyline dogs and live bets.

Betting Notes from 2024:

• Started the season 1-5 ATS
• Finished the season 4-1 ATS including the bowl win
• Covered three times as underdogs of +3 or more
• Four straight overs to close the season

How to Approach Florida in 2025 on bet105:

Strengths to Leverage:

• Quarterback upside: Lagway’s dual-threat skill set opens up big-play potential—expect more overs early in the season.
• First-half lines: Florida started fast in the final six games of 2024, covering first-half spreads in four of them.
• Live bets: Lagway-led comebacks are in play. Look for value if they trail early against average defenses.

Red Flags to Monitor:

• Defensive volatility: Still vulnerable against elite passing attacks—avoid backing Florida against high-efficiency offenses.
• Big road games: Florida has underperformed in hostile SEC environments under Napier.

Bet105 Futures Watch:

• Win total: If Florida opens around 7.5, the over is worth considering—but only if the defense shows offseason progress.
• Player props: Lagway for SEC Breakout Player of the Year could offer strong value in preseason markets.
• Conference long shots: Florida to win the SEC East (if divisions remain) could be a high-upside dart, depending on their early performance.

The Gators aren’t a finished product. But if you’re betting with an eye on momentum and quarterback development, they’re one of the more intriguing teams heading into 2025. Track the matchups, follow the trajectory, and use bet105 to take advantage before the market catches up.

Experience the thrill of college football all season long. Bet smarter, go deeper, and ride the momentum with bet105.