Billy Napier’s Florida Gators face crucial decisions with Graham Mertz injury and Cormani McClain’s explosive potential amid DJ Lagway worries

 

Florida Gators navigated a challenging season that could conclude with an 8-5 record, yet the campaign was punctuated by significant obstacles that need addressing before next year. A major setback came when the starting quarterback suffered a season-ending injury, creating uncertainty and prompting hard decisions about the team’s offensive direction.

 

Impact of the Quarterback Injury

The injury to the primary signal-caller disrupted long-established routines and thrust the coaching staff into a rapid search for suitable replacements. With key plays now dependent on emerging talents, the team faces the reality of competing without the steady leadership that had defined earlier games.

 

Emergence of a New Force

In the midst of this disruption, Cormani McClain has stepped into the spotlight as a notable presence on the field. At 235 pounds, his physicality and skill set have drawn attention, suggesting that he could become an integral part of the Gators’ strategy moving forward. His performance has the potential to reshape the dynamics of the offense and offer a fresh solution in a period of transition.

The 10 Hardest Schedules In College Football In 2025

The 2024 college football season ended with Ohio State topping Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff national title game. It was Year 1 of the 12-team College Football Playoff. The Buckeyes, despite losing to Michigan for the fourth year in a row, made the College Football Playoff and won four straight games – Tennessee, Oregon, Texas and Notre Dame – before winning it all.

 

But the 2025 college football season is approaching fast, too.

 

ESPN has recently named the 10 hardest schedules in the country heading into 2025.

 

Florida Gators cheerleaders.

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 25: Florida Gators cheerleaders perform during the second half of a game against the Florida State Seminoles at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 25, 2023 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)

 

James Gilbert/Getty Images

 

Here are the 10 hardest schedules in teh country, according to ESPN’s model.

 

1. Oklahoma

The Sooners, playing in the SEC, will be taking on Michigan in the non-conference. They’ll also get Auburn, South Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, Texas, Ole Miss and LSU in the conference.

 

2. Florida

The Gators, much like the Sooners, have a loaded conference slate. They’ll also take on Miami in the non-conference.

 

3. Arkansas

The Razorbacks take on Notre Dame in the non-conference, while also facing Tennessee, LSU and Texas on the road.

 

4. Wisconsin

Wisconsin has the toughest schedule in the Big Ten, facing Alabama in the non-conference before taking on Michigan, Ohio State and Oregon in conference play.

 

Nebraska’s field covered in snow for a game.

MADISON, WI – NOVEMBER 15: Snow falls on the endzone during play between the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on November 15, 2014 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

5. Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt was one of the biggest surprises of the 2024 season, thanks in part to quarterback Diego Pavia. The Commodores will take on Virginia Tech and South Carolina in September. Vanderbilt will later take on Alabama, Texas and Tennessee on the road.

 

6. Mississippi State

The Bulldogs have a brutal SEC slate – much like everyone else in the league – taking on Texas and Georgia at home. They also face Arizona State in the non-conference.

 

7. South Carolina

South Carolina is taking on Virginia Tech in the non-conference, along with Clemson, and has games against Alabama, LSU and Ole Miss.

 

8. Kentucky

The Wildcats have a brutal slate in the fall, facing Texas and Tennessee at home before taking on Auburn on the road and then hosting Florida.

 

9. LSU

The Tigers will look to have a big bounceback season in 2025, but the schedule does them no favors. LSU faces Clemson in the non-conference before taking on Ole Miss and Alabama in conference play.

 

10. Texas A&M

The Aggies have Notre Dame in the non-conference and faces LSU, Texas, Florida and South Carolina in the SEC play.

Who do you think has college football’s toughest schedule for 2025?