5 burning questions

Coach Billy Napier enters Year 3 after consecutive losing seasons, leading to speculation about the his job security and low expectations for 2024. Napier is confident in his program’s direction, despite Las Vegas oddsmakers setting the over/under for wins at 4.5 and SEC media picking UF to finish 12th of 16 teams. Many questions still remain. — Edgar Thompson, Orlando Sentinel

Will Ron Roberts and Joe Houston fix the defense and special teams?

Each inherits units that cost the 5-7 Gators games. Roberts moves into a role as co-defensive coordinator with Austin Armstrong, 31, who struggled as an SEC coordinator and reunites with a mentor. The roster is more talented and deeper, but UF’s D has considerable ground to close. The Gators allowed an average of 38.2 points during a closing five-game skid, tallied 22 sacks (fewest at UF since 2013) and made 3 interceptions (tied for last in the nation). Roberts aims to also cut down on missed tackles. Meanwhile, Houston recognizes quality special teams play after four seasons with the New England Patriots, coaching special teams legend Matthew Slater and working two seasons with special teams maestro Joe Judge. At UF, Houston faces a laundry list of fixes; special teams committed 7 penalties and lined up five times without 11 men. But punter Jeremy Crawshaw and kicker Trey Smack are elite, while the speed is available to field explosive coverage and return units.

Is quarterback Graham Mertz ready to take the next step?

Mertz was better than advertised after he transferred from Wisconsin. But to combat the inconsistency he displayed in Madison, Mertz at times was too conservative. An SEC-best 72.9% completion rate, 20 touchdowns and 3 interceptions established confidence. To build on it, Mertz needs to attack more. Of his 358 attempts, 39 were for 20 yards or more, with 16 completions. A collection a quick-twitch pass catchers will be able to stretch the field if a retooled offensive line can better protect — UF’s 39 sacks ranked 115th. Mertz then will have to prove he can translate the zip and accuracy he displays on short and intermediate throws to the deep passing game. If he can, the Gators’ offense, a respectable sixth in SEC games with a scoring average of 30.5 points, will be more difficult to defend.

How did the Gators get saddled with this schedule?

SEC decision-makers did Florida no favors. A schedule considered the nation’s toughest features 11 of 12 Power 4 opponents. All told, UF’s upcoming opponents had a combined record of 106-50 (67.9%) in 2023. An Aug. 31 visit from Miami and Nov. 30 trip to Florida State bookends a slate of games with no let up, other than a Sept. 7 visit from Samford and bye weeks Sept. 28 and Oct. 26. Yet, Napier views the schedule as a potential advantage. “It’s a healthy thing,” he said. “Maybe it causes them to do a little bit extra. Maybe it causes him to be a little more focused, a little more detailed.”

Tre Wilson is special, but can some other pass catchers follow the sophomore’s lead?

Napier said the Gators plan “to get their money’s worth” out of Wilson, a rising star with unique ability and NFL pedigree. A pack of playmakers with various skill sets look to cash in, too, as UF replaces first-round draft pick Ricky Pearsall. Transfers Chimere Dike (Wisconsin) and Elijhah Badger (Arizona State) bring experience and solid production at their previous stops; sophomore Aidan Mizell and freshmen Tank Hawkins offer blazing speed, clocking in at 23 mph with GPS tracking; tight ends Arlis Boardingham and Hayden Hansen provide size and versatility; and veterans Kahleil Jackson and Ja’Quavion Fraziars are steady and sure-handed. Whoever emerges will benefit from defenses keying on Wilson.

Can culture equate to Ws?

Napier values a strong value system. Players have followed suit in Year 3. Examples include a pristine locker room, polite interactions with those who clean the $85 million Heavener Football Center and serve meals. Napier instilled a no-phone rule at training table and in the recovery area to foster team bonding. No-frills Tolbert Hall, the Gators’ home during fall camp, was chosen to inspire gratitude. “It’s just our effort to teach a sense of responsibility, to have some self-discipline and take care of your stuff, to appreciate what you have,” the 45-year-old coach said. Napier firmly believes a proper culture will become a winning culture. “I’m a firm believer that a player that lacks character, at some point he’s going to let you down,” he said. “My history in coaching will tell me that.”

Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com