GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Gators held their first scrimmage of preseason camp on Saturday.

With the scrimmage at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium open only to team family members, head coach Billy Napier had plenty to cover with the media during his Monday press conference.

Florida opens the season Aug. 30 at home against Long Island University and will do so at the 15th-ranked team in the AP Top 25 preseason poll, which was released Monday. It marks the first time the Gators open the season ranked by the AP since they were 13th in 2021.

You can watch the press conference below:

 

Florida Gators Football Press Conference 8-11-2025 https://t.co/9T7xopaavb

— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) August 11, 2025

Meanwhile, here are some of the key topics that Napier addressed:

—Napier was pleased overall by what he saw at Saturday’s scrimmage and said this week is a critical one in camp. The Gators returned to the practice field on Monday morning. “I thought we started the week with some juice today,” Napier said. “We have to do our best work.”

—Napier downplayed the Gators being ranked, much like last week when the coaches put Florida at No. 17. But he had a good quip. “I think just seven teams we play are ahead of us,” he said.

—With starting QB DJ Lagway still modified due to a calf injury, Napier said the Gators got a good look at reserves Harrison Bailey, Aidan Warner and true freshman Tramell Jones Jr. in Saturday’s scrimmage. First, he offered an update on Lagway, who did not play in the scrimmage. “He’s doing great,” Napier said. “He’s on schedule. He’s executing our plan. He had a great day today. He’s hitting all of his numbers from a throw perspective. He’ll be modified for a while.”

—As for the battle between Bailey, Warner and Jones, Napier said “we’re dividing those reps up.” Jones has received attention during camp as the newcomer in the mix. Napier said Jones deserves some of the buzz he is getting. “Did a nice job in the scrimmage,” Napier said. “Made some plays with his feet. Made some off-schedule plays.”

—Napier said receivers Eugene Wilson III and Dallas Wilson remain “day to day, week to week” dealing with injuries. He said LB Grayson Howard, who has been hampered physically, returned to practice Monday. Overall, Napier said the team got out of Saturday’s scrimmage “pretty healthy, just your typical bangs and bruises.”

—Freshman receiver Vernell Brown III is making the most of his opportunities in camp. Napier singled out Brown as a rookie who will be a factor.

 

Napier says WR Vernell Brown III is one of the emerging players in camp.

“He’s very mature, aware, he’s in great condition…He’s got a chance to impact our team as a freshman.”

— Nick Marcinko (@marcinko_nick) August 11, 2025

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