Entering last season, the schedule for Florida and Billy Napier did not look forgiving at all. Losing the home opener to Miami did not add to Napier’s luck either. Still, despite the injury vows and far less perfect roster, they had a somewhat successful year. But this time around, Napier is set to make a run at it and the strategy development began in the offseason. Leading their offense is the Heisman contender DJ Lagway. But even for the wide receiver arms race, Billy Napier is firing with intent, chasing five-star Easton Royal. Now, sudden bad twists of fate for Oregon might bring Florida just what they needed.

Entering this offseason, Dan Lanning’s frontline looked better than any in the Big Ten. However, dominoes have fallen one after another. First, it was Mater Dei’s Tomuhini Topui who flipped to USC to stay closer to his home after having committed to Oregon last fall. Then, lured by the opportunity to play offensive line, Bott Mulitalo also switched to BYU. Still, a few months ago, things were looking solid for Oregon’s defensive line class. 

Viliami Moala, the highly touted tackle from Utah, had flipped from USC to Oregon and even moved from Bingham High to Willamette High in Eugene, signaling a strong commitment to Dan Lanning’s Oregon Ducks. It mirrored what fellow defensive line pledge Tony Cumberland did, transferring from Arizona’s Desert Edge to Willamette. Momentum was in Oregon’s corner. But that illusion crumbled with the latest update from Monday night; possibly shifting gears for Florida and Billy Napier.

Taking it to his X, Moala posted, “First and foremost I wanna thank God for giving me the strength to make this decision. Second I would like to thank the University of Oregon for everything that they have done for me and my family and all of the people of Eugene! With that being said I would like to announce that I am decommitting from the University of Oregon. I would also like to announce that I am transferring from Williamette High School in Eugene to Thomspon High School in Alabaster Alabama. **PLEASE RESPECT MY DECISION**”

The move South to finish his senior year has already sparked a shift in Moala’s recruitment. Florida, alongside Nebraska, California, and Utah, ramped up communication in recent days, sensing a real window. But the schools in the Southeast too appear to be gaining traction fast. North Carolina and Miami have reportedly been the most aggressive early on, and Moala isn’t rushing anything.

“As of right now, I don’t have one to be honest,” he said of a dream offer. “Just trying to find the best school that fits me.” A comment like that doesn’t just keep the door cracked—it swings it wide open for programs with a developmental vision and positional need. Florida has both.

According to Adam Gorney of Rivals, “After his de-commitment, Moala said Thompson was always a school he wanted to play for and now it could open up a lot more possibilities in his recruitment.”

As for Oregon’s misses, taken individually, each might be explainable. Together, they’re a signal flare. A “triple blow” for a program that was loading up for a frontline assault in the Big Ten. Oregon now finds itself in reset mode in the trenches.

UF’s sudden push feels far from random. There’s real smoke around the Gators making aggressive moves late Monday, and it wasn’t just for Moala. A well-timed effort toward Easton Royal and others suggests Billy Napier sees an opening and is pouncing. Napier’s strategic targeting and proximity to players like Moala now give Florida a chance to further close the gap on the SEC’s top recruiters.

Napier’s build-it-the-right-way mantra is starting to come alive. His moves don’t just target flash; they reinforce need, fit, and upside. While Oregon regroups from a stinging sequence of de-commits, Florida is dancing on the margins.

Billy Napier and the Florida Gators’ 2025 ceiling might be higher than ever

The vibes out of Gainesville are humming with promise—and Phil Steele’s 2025 preview only amplifies the noise. The Gators have been building something under Billy Napier, and with DJ Lagway ready to take center stage, Steele sees a season bursting with potential. “This year, QB DJ Lagway is poised for a breakout year. They have 4 starters back on the offensive line and a solid running back duo. They should have the best numbers of the Napier era.” Buckle up, because Florida’s offense is about to light up some scoreboards.

On defense, it’s all about stinginess and swagger. Steele breaks it down with a nod to both data and development: “Last year, six starters were back, and my computer called for them to improve to allowing 380.3 yards per game, and they allowed 377 ypg!” That progress, especially late in the season, was no fluke—Florida racked up 19 sacks in its final four games and held LSU and Ole Miss to just 16.5 points per game. Even more impressive? Those final four opponents were held to 90 yards per game below their season averages.

Looking ahead, Steele adds, “Napier feels there are no chinks in the armor of the defense, with his biggest concern who is the No. 4 CB.” His model projects the Gators to allow 328 yards and 23.3 points per game. If the numbers align, 2025 might just be Florida’s most complete team in years.