Kirk Herbstreit Goes All In on Billy Napier After Florida’s Upset Win Over Ole Miss
Kirk Herbstreit didn’t hold back his enthusiasm after Florida pulled off one of Week 13’s biggest upsets with a 24-17 win over Ole Miss. In a tweet that blurred the line between humor and hyperbole, Herbstreit pitched Gators head coach Billy Napier as a legitimate contender for the National College Football Coach of the Year Award.
“Can a guy with a team that will finish 7-5 win the coach of the year award? He should!! Billy Napier and (the Gators), after being 4-5 and losing 2 straight, have beaten LSU and Ole Miss. So impressive to see this fight from the Gators and their fans after having a tough year,” Herbstreit posted. He also gave a glowing shoutout to Florida quarterback DJ Lagway, calling him “the REAL DEAL.”
Florida’s back-to-back wins over LSU and Ole Miss have shifted the narrative surrounding the program. Napier, once under scrutiny, now appears capable of turning the Gators into SEC contenders, much like Eli Drinkwitz’s success in transforming Missouri.
Still, the Gators’ path forward isn’t without challenges. A repeat of the 2024 season could see Napier back on the hot seat, with Florida’s athletic department facing tough decisions.
For now, though, optimism reigns in Gainesville. After the game, Napier shared his vision with reporters, saying, “I would just say we’re just getting started. I think this is part of the big-picture journey.”
The “big-picture journey” at Florida increasingly looks like one that includes competing for championships. After years of being a sleeping giant, the Gators might finally be waking up.
