Napier-led Gators Gear Up For Homecoming Week

Coach Billy Napier broke down Florida’s 34-17 loss Saturday against Texas A&M at College Station during his weekly news conference Monday.

“We started slow on defense, probably for the first time this year,” Napier said. He highlighted the strength of the offense in the first half.

Napier went on to mention the confidence he felt in the third and fourth quarters, but explained how the team struggled to consistently make good plays, even with the advantage.

Amid controversy over his tenure as coach, he also responded to a question about the volatility of college football contracts.

“You’ve got to produce,” Napier said.

A large focus of the news conference was focused on this Saturday’s Homecoming game against Mississippi State (4-2, 0-2 SEC).

“Homecoming is unique because it’s an opportunity to come back,” said Napier. “It’s an opportunity to sit in that stadium and think about a lot of the great memories that you made while you were here.” He reflected on the players and how they feel coming to UF to not only play football, but to pursue a degree and represent the orange and blue.

Defensive lineman Kamran James and tight end Hayden Hansen then took their turn at the podium.

James has 19 tackles this season, nine away from his career-high of 28 in 2024. Last Saturday’s game marked a season-high with six tackles. He has one sack this year out of three total in his career.

“You have to take accountability,” James said of the defense’s slow start against the Aggies.

First, James cited that the defense spotted Texas A&M 21 points early in the game. He then said that the offense made some mistakes.

Hansen has started all six games this year and saw 71 snaps during the game against Texas A&M. He’s made 18 receptions this season — a career high — for 175 yards, an average of 9.7 yards per catch.

Hansen shared Napier’s anticipation for the Homecoming game this weekend. He said that they will “fight and win that game for everyone that came before them.”

The Gators’ Homecoming game against the Bulldogs will kick off at 4:15 p.m. at The Swamp.

Category: College Football, Gators Football, SEC