There are still members of Gator Nation that have Billy Napier's back and some former players in the program have expressed that publicly over the past few days. Others ate a little more critical, and it shows that the divide among fans also exists among those that proudly wore the orange and blue on the field.
Former wide receiver Tyrie Cleveland, who had one of the most famous catches in recent Gator history, is on Napier's side and is encouraging fans to stand with him.
Everybody keep saying fire Billy Napier but if people really knew how much it takes to turn a program around they wouldn’t say that at all. Some coaches blossom faster than others and that’s fine. Gator Nation we’re in good hands it’s all part of the process. TRUST THE PROCESS 🐊
— Tyrie Cleveland (@Tyrie_1) September 10, 2025
Cleveland knows about going through coaching changes. He was at Florida in 2017 when Jim McElwain was removed late in the season. The Gators went 4-7 that year, and it led to the hiring of Dan Mullen, who won 21 games in the following two seasons.
Former defensive lineman Steven Harris often engages with fans on social media and remains optimistic about the season, encouraging the players to move forward.
But not everyone shares Cleveland's or Harris' optimism. Former wide receiver Jacob Copeland is among those that don't think highly of Napier and is ready for the program to move on from him. Copeland transferred to Maryland about a month after Napier was hired.
Another former player, Jonathan Odom, basically accused Napier of medical malpractice, but also said that there are several good coaches on the staff.
Gator Hall of Famer tries to make sense of it all
Chris Doering, now an analyst for the SEC Network and a member of the Gator Hall of Fame, went on 1010XL in Jacksonviille and didn't suggest Napier's future one way or the other. But the former All-American wide receiver was frustrated that Florida lost a game it should've won.
"[Billy Napier] doesn't need to be smarter than everyone else...you're Florida playing USF."
— 1010 XL / 92.5 FM (@1010XL) September 10, 2025
Gators legend Chris Doering joins The Drill to discuss Florida's shocking loss to South Florida.
📹FULL VIDEO: https://t.co/GqsBvNJ9KI#GoGators | #FloridaGators @iame2thet… pic.twitter.com/gqvfD6wUCX
"As bad as we played in that ball game for the majority of the evening, you still have the ability to win the ball game at the end. Run the ball, make them use their timeouts. Run some clock, maybe you pick up a first down," Doering said. "You're Florida, you're playing South Florida, you should be able to move guys off the line of scrimmage."
Napier will have another chance to change the narrative on Saturday night when the Gators head to Death Valley to take on LSU.