Anthony Richardson Shares Honest Thoughts on Florida Gators’ Rise and What Must Happen for True SEC and CFP Success
Florida football is in the midst of a rebuild under Billy Napier, and while the road has been turbulent, there are signs of progress. Former Gators star quarterback and current Indianapolis Colts signal-caller Anthony Richardson recently offered his perspective on the direction of the program. His insight not only sheds light on the Gators’ trajectory but also ignites a broader discussion about what it will take for Florida to reestablish itself among college football’s elite.
Richardson, who spent three seasons in Gainesville before declaring for the NFL Draft after the 2022 season, remains deeply connected to the Gator community. His experience—ranging from a promising backup to a starting quarterback under scrutiny—gives him a unique view of what’s unfolding within the program. When asked about the Gators’ current state and future outlook, Richardson didn’t hold back. He praised some of the changes under Napier, voiced hope for the young core, and emphasized the importance of culture, leadership, and consistency.
“I still keep up with the guys. I still talk to some of the staff. I’ve seen some good things happening,” Richardson said. “There’s still work to do, for sure. It’s not where we want it to be, but you can tell they’re trying to build it the right way.”
That right way, according to Richardson and many familiar with the Florida program, is rooted in discipline, player development, and accountability. For years, Florida’s immense potential was undermined by inconsistency—both on the field and in the locker room. A revolving door of coaches since Urban Meyer’s departure hasn’t helped, nor has the often-erratic quarterback play. Now, Napier has the opportunity to stabilize things.
Richardson credited Napier for being process-oriented and committed to laying a strong foundation. “He’s a detail guy. I noticed that early. He wants things done a certain way, and that matters,” Richardson said. “You can’t build a winning program if the little things aren’t right. He’s trying to change the mindset.”
That mindset change is essential. Florida’s struggles in recent seasons have had less to do with raw talent and more with execution, preparation, and depth. Despite high-profile recruiting classes and NFL-caliber players like Richardson, Kyle Pitts, and Kaiir Elam, the Gators have too often come up short in critical moments. Richardson himself experienced this during his lone full season as a starter, which was marred by injuries and uneven play calling.
He’s quick to acknowledge that his own growth in the NFL has given him more appreciation for structure and routine—something he believes Napier is striving to instill in Gainesville. “In the league, everything is sharp, everything is scheduled. You’ve got to be on it every single day,” he noted. “If Coach Napier can get that level of focus from his team, they’ll be on the right track.”
So far, the 2025 offseason has been promising. Florida’s recruiting class sits inside the top 10 nationally, bolstered by key commitments on both sides of the ball. The quarterback room, now headlined by rising sophomore DJ Lagway, shows potential. Lagway, a five-star dual-threat talent, has drawn comparisons to Richardson for his athleticism and arm strength, though Richardson cautions against rushing the development process.
“People want instant results, but it takes time,” Richardson said. “DJ’s got all the tools. He’s got the right attitude too. But he needs the right support system—coaches who are patient, teammates who believe in him, and fans who don’t turn on him after a bad game. If he gets that, he can be special.”
Richardson also pointed to Florida’s improved offensive line and emerging defensive front as reasons for optimism. He praised players like Tyreak Sapp and Shemar James for their leadership and work ethic, saying that sustained success will require more veterans stepping up and embracing the grind.
But perhaps most notably, Richardson emphasized the need for team identity. “That’s what we were missing some years. We had talent, but we didn’t always have an identity,” he said. “You look at Georgia, Bama, LSU—they know exactly who they are every Saturday. That’s what Florida needs.”
When pressed on whether he believes Florida is truly “on the rise,” Richardson paused before answering. “I think so,” he said carefully. “You’re starting to see a foundation. But the rise doesn’t happen just because people want it to. You’ve got to go take it. Beat Georgia. Beat LSU. Beat FSU. That’s when people start believing.”
Florida’s schedule, as always, is daunting. The Gators face multiple top-10 opponents each year and must navigate the SEC gauntlet while building confidence. That challenge has derailed several promising teams in recent memory. For Napier and company, getting over that hump will require both patience and urgency—a difficult balance in today’s cutthroat environment.
Richardson has firsthand experience with that pressure. His NFL career, while still in its infancy, has already taught him how fleeting opportunities can be. A season-ending injury cut short his rookie campaign with the Colts, but he’s using that setback as motivation. “Adversity reveals character,” he said. “That’s true in the NFL and college. I want to see how this Florida team responds when it gets tough. That’s when you find out who’s real.”
He’s also hopeful the program can retain its best players through the transfer portal chaos that has reshaped college football. “I get it—guys want to play, and sometimes it’s not the right fit. But you can’t build something special if everyone’s leaving every year,” he warned. “You’ve got to have guys who believe in the vision and want to be Gators for real.”
That belief is returning, slowly but surely. Fans are seeing a more organized operation under Napier. Recruiting has improved. NIL support is stronger. And the staff has added key analysts and personnel to aid in player development. The locker room, according to insiders, has more accountability. All the ingredients are there—but as Richardson and many Gator greats will attest, ingredients don’t matter unless the recipe is executed.
“There’s no shortcut,” Richardson said. “We’ve been chasing shortcuts for too long. Now it’s about doing the work, stacking days, and proving it on Saturdays.”
With SEC expansion looming and programs like Texas and Oklahoma joining the fray, Florida’s path doesn’t get any easier. But Richardson believes that adversity could become a strength—if the team embraces it.
“Pressure’s a privilege,” he said, echoing a popular phrase among athletes. “If you’re at Florida, people expect championships. That’s a good thing. Embrace that pressure. Use it.”
As for his own role, Richardson is more than happy to serve as a mentor from afar. He said he’s open to returning to Gainesville when his NFL schedule allows and has already spoken with some current players about life in the spotlight.
“I want those guys to succeed. I want the program to win. I’ll always be a Gator,” he said. “But it’s their story now. I just hope they write it the right way.”
In many ways, Richardson’s journey mirrors Florida’s current situation. Both are filled with promise, burdened with expectations, and looking to silence doubters. If the Gators can take a cue from their former quarterback—focus on growth, embrace discipline, and ignore the noise—they just might be on the rise after all.
