Heading into 2025, DJ Lagway is going to be the headliner for the Florida Gators. But as we saw in 2024, Lagway isn't indestructible, and the Gators didn't exactly have a stopgap on the roster to keep the ship steady while he was out.
So, while some position groups are deep and can absorb an injury or two, the following are Florida's most important stopgaps should the starter for their unit get hurt, given the Gators have next to no options to insert behind these players.
Harrison Bailey could define the season for the Gators
We'll start by saying that if Bailey doesn't beat out Aidan Warner for the backup QB job this fall, there are going to be some serious question marks about Florida's QB room behind Lagway.
As in stands, Bailey is far from perfect but he at least looked the part of a competent backup QB during Florida's spring game.
As mentioned above, there is no guarantee that Lagway will stay healthy all year, so Bailey might have to come in and win a game or two for the Gators.
Brendan Bett
A late and under-the-radar transfer portal add for Florida, the Baylor defensive tackle transfer joins Florida's thinnest unit in terms of depth heading into 2025.
If Caleb Banks can stay healthy all year, Bett can blend in as a rotational piece. But if something happens to Banks, there really won't be anyone behind Bett to try and salvage the interior of Florida's defensive line.
Drake Stubbs
Even though the ceiling for Drake Stubbs is high, he is still going to be a true freshman heading into 2025.
He also makes this list as one of Florida's most crucial stopgaps because there is next to nobody at safety the Gators have on the roster to plug in should something happen to Stubbs.
Amir Jackson
We know how much Billy Napier loves to employ two tight-end sets, so if something were to happen to Hayden Hansen or Tony Livingston, Amir Jackson would be the next man up.
And while there is a pathway, Jackson could even break into the main rotation, the reality is that Florida have very few options to turn to behind Jackson, making him a crucial stopgap given Napier's scheme.