If you’re a Florida Gators football fan, the 2024 regular season probably felt like a rollercoaster ride: moments of elation, flashes of promise and a few stomach-churning drops along the way.
At 7-5, it’s not the season of dreams, but it’s one that hints at a brighter future — if the pieces can come together.
Let’s not sugarcoat it: losing 41-17 to the Miami Hurricanes to start the year was brutal. Rivalry games sting when you’re on the wrong end, and this one was no different. But in typical Gators fashion, they responded. A 45-7 rout of Samford was expected, but it showed one thing this team has in spades — resilience.
And resilience defined this team all season. They’d take one step forward, one step back. A loss to the Texas A&M Aggies? They bounced back with a road win over Mississippi State. A frustrating overtime loss at Tennessee? They rebounded with a dominant 48-20 win over the Kentucky Wildcats.
Every setback seemed to spark a response, a testament to Billy Napier’s ability to keep this group engaged and motivated.
Mertz’s impact, untimely injury
Graham Mertz began the season as the Gators’ offensive leader. However, his tenure was cut short due to a torn ACL he suffered on October 12 in Florida’s loss to Tennessee.
This non-contact injury not only ended his season but also his collegiate career. In the wake of his injury, Mertz expressed his commitment to the team, stating, “During my recovery, I will remain a part of the program to do whatever I can in meeting rooms and from the sideline to help my teammates win.”
Following Mertz’s departure, true freshman DJ Lagway stepped into the starting quarterback role, and man, did he put the country on notice.
Lagway era has begun
Let’s talk about Lagway, the freshman quarterback who became the face of this team. He threw for 1,610 yards and 11 touchdowns—numbers that might not pop off the page but don’t forget this kid is just getting started.
Sure, he’s had his growing pains. But Lagway showed the tools—arm talent, mobility and composure—that have Gator Nation buzzing about his potential.
Lagway wasn’t alone in carrying the offense. Another true freshman who turned some heads was running back Jadan Baugh. Baugh rushed for 603 yards and seven touchdowns. His physical running style gave Florida a steady presence in the backfield.
And then there’s Elijhah Badger, the senior receiver who turned 37 catches into 789 yards and four scores.
November in the Swamp
Coming into their matchup against the No. 22 LSU Tigers on November 9, the Gators were desperate for a signature victory. At 4-4, they had struggled to maintain consistency all season. But in front of a raucous home crowd, the team delivered its most complete performance of the year to date, earning a 27-16 win.
The momentum carried into the following week as the Gators hosted the No. 9 Ole Miss Rebels. Despite being underdogs, Florida controlled the game from start to finish, winning by a score of 24-17. The defense was once again the story, bottling up the Rebels’ run game and making key interceptions against Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart when the game mattered most.
These back-to-back wins were more than just victories—they were statements. Florida proved it could hang with and beat ranked SEC opponents, a crucial step for a program trying to regain its footing among the conference elite.
Rivalry Redemption
And then there was the finale. If there’s one game that feels good for Gator fans, it’s the 31-11 dismantling of the Florida State Seminoles in Tallahassee. Not only was it a statement win over a bitter rival, but it also sent the message that this team isn’t backing down. That’s the kind of victory that sticks with fans—and recruits.
So where do we go from here?
Looking ahead, the Gators have the foundation to take a leap in 2025. Lagway is the real deal, Baugh is a grinder, and Badger and Chimere Dike’s success should inspire the next wave of receivers. The challenge for Napier and his staff will be addressing the weaknesses that held his team back.
Is Florida back? Not yet. But they’re close. And after a season of ups and downs, that’s more than enough to keep the Swamp rocking.
As the Gators prepare for their bowl game, fans can look back on those last three games in November as a glimpse of what’s possible. If Florida can replicate that intensity and execution consistently, The Swamp might once again be college football’s most feared destination.
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