Know Your Enemy: Florida

Each week, BullsInsider.com catches up with the beat writer who covers the Bulls’ next opponent. This week, we touched base with GatorsOnline.com publisher Keith Niebuhr to find out what USF fans should know about Florida. The Bulls travel to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium to take on the Gators at 4:15 pm ET on Saturday. The game will be televised by SEC Network.

1) What are the takeaways from Florida’s season-opener, particularly since it was such an overmatched opponent?

NIEBUHR: There wasn’t really much you could take from that game that would point toward how UF will play down the road. Obviously, the Gators had a major talent edge across the board. And clearly Florida wasn’t going to show USF or other future opponents much in terms of sophisticated plays or looks because it didn’t have to. But there are things you can learn.

For starters, quarterback DJ Lagway looked healthy and didn’t seem to play scared. And since everything on offense goes through him, that’s significant. He missed both of the team’s scrimmages in August with a calf injury so it was important for the Gators to get him some reps. There was rust, and there may more this week, but having played last week will help. No. 2, the team played — especially on defense — with energy and passion. Don’t underestimate that. It would have been easy to just show up. The players actually played hard seemingly every snap. 

2) What’s different, if anything, about QB DJ Lagway this season?

NIEBUHR: We certainly will learn more in the coming weeks, but two things come to mind. 1. It’s his offense now. He’s not fresh out of high school. He’s a veteran who has proven he can win and grind through injuries. His poise seems to truly rub off on teammates. 2. During the offseason, he worked on his throwing mechanics with a couple noted QB specialists in the Jacksonville area. It has been clear that he’s spinning the ball better in 2025.

3) Just how hot is coach Billy Napier’s seat in his fourth season?

NIEBUHR: It’s certainly not hot at the moment. As with any coach in the SEC, if the losses pile up, things can change fast. That’s a bridge you cross if and when you get to it. Remember, as of today he’s a coach who owns the longest current winning streak (five) in the SEC and is tied for No. 1 nationally.

4) Who or what else stands out about Florida’s offense?

NIEBUHR: There is potential for this to be among the most balanced offenses in the SEC. The offensive line returns first-team All-American center Jake Slaughter and three other starters. One of them is left tackle Austin Barber, who like Slaughter was a preseason first-team All-SEC pick.

The running back room is loaded with Jadan Baugh, who has All-conference potential, leading the way. The receivers have ability, with UCLA transfer J.Michael Sturdivant, true freshman Vernell Brown, a former 5-star recruit, and Eugene Wilson leading the way. The Gators have lots of speed at that position but need to get healthy. Some talented players have been out and are week to week. Overall, there are many good pieces. How it all comes together is the question.

5) Who or what stands out about the Gators’ defense?

NIEBUHR: There’s quality across the board among the starting unit and depth in the front seven. So the Gators can run lots of bodies out there and stay fresh. The overall team speed also stands out. If there’s one position group that’s elite, it’s probably linebacker. Jadan Robinson, Myles Graham and Aaron Chiles are few players to watch there.

Niebuhr’s bold prediction of how the game will go:

I love the way USF plays and the Bulls have an extremely bright head coach. The defense flies to the ball and hits hard. And the potential is there to possibly give Lagway and Co. some problems. That said, containing Florida’s balance will be a challenge. Stop one thing, and the ability is there for the Gators to hurt you with something else. Meanwhile, USF’s offense is a little more one-dimensional. Byrum Brown is a dude. There is no doubt about that. But he’s going to need help and lots of it. Overall, I just think Florida has the better roster and more big-play potential on offense. But I do expect a competitive game. Florida 37-20.