Billy Napier reveals stance on Florida throwback uniforms: ‘Looking good is nice, playing better is nicer’

The Florida Gators recently announced that a classic look is coming to Gainesville this season. On October 18th, the Gators are going to be wearing throwback uniforms, and fans are incredibly excited about the retro look.

For head coach Billy Napier, the uniforms are a little less important. Recently, he admitted that he’s not even sure if the Florida players are aware of the uniforms. Certainly, he doesn’t want their focus there and instead on how they’re playing.

“I don’t know if I’ve heard one comment about it,” Billy Napier said. “To be quite honest with you. Now, that just happened today… Okay, good. I’ll let you know next time we meet.”

“Look, uniforms are nice,” Napier said. “Uniforms are good. Looking good is nice, playing better is nicer. I hope they’re worried about how they play and not what they’re wearing.”

Playing consistently well has been a concern at times for Florida under Napier. In three seasons, he’s 19-19 with the Gators. That’s put him on the hot seat at times, but coming off his most successful season last year and seemingly finding a long-term solution at quarterback with DJ Lagway, and now there are expectations that the Gators can get more competitive in SEC play.

For Florida, playing well is the focus. Still, the throwback uniforms do look great if there’s anything to the phrase “look good, feel good, play good.” The uniforms include white pants, blue jerseys, and an orange helmet. On the helmets is a throwback logo for Florida with the “U” and “F” superimposed. On the shoulders of the jersey are white and orange stripes.

This is the helmet that Florida would have consistently worn from 1968 to 1978. From there, Florida transitioned to its commonly used script “Gators” today. In the past, Florida has broken out other throwback uniforms too, including the white helmet with a block “F” and blue helmets.

Florida announced they’re going to be wearing these uniforms for the homecoming game against Mississippi State on October 18th. So, the Gators do have some time before getting to wear these. For the time being, the focus is on LIU on August 30th.

DJ Lagway injury update: Billy Napier reveals latest on Florida QB, status for Week 1

Florida is looking forward to having DJ Lagway take them to prominence in 2025. To do that, though, he’ll need to be healthy, and through Fall Camp that’s been an issue. Lagway is battling a calf injury, which Billy Napier recently shared an update on.

“Billy Napier said QB DJ Lagway on schedule, but still working through calf injury. Didn’t play in Saturday’s scrimmage. Praised Tramell Jones Jr., said he’s even gotten some first-team reps,” Edgar Thompson wrote.

As a true freshman last season, Lagway tallied 1,915 passing yards and 12 touchdowns to nine interceptions. He also had 50 carries for 101 rushing yards, which does include sack yardage.