BREAKING: Five players for Florida Football who are set to cut off from the program

five Florida Football Players Who Were Not to Blame for the Loss to Miami

Some players were ready to compete on Saturday. Despite Florida Football’s crushing 41-17 defeat to Miami at The Swamp, following an offseason of reassurances from Billy Napier that the team’s issues had been resolved, it was clear that nothing had changed.

While we’ve criticized the outcome extensively on Hail Florida Hail, it’s important to acknowledge that some players were not the reason for Florida’s loss.

Here are five players who were not at fault in Florida’s defeat to Miami:

Austin Barber
Throughout the offseason, we discussed how Austin Barber had a decent season last year, though not an elite one. He was among 29 offensive tackles nationwide who committed four or more penalties on passing plays last season.

However, yesterday, while the right side of Florida’s line struggled, Barber performed solidly. In his 39 snaps, he didn’t allow any pressure or commit any penalties.

Montrell Johnson
There was initial doubt even after it was announced he was cleared to play, but Johnson quickly proved his readiness.

With 71 yards by the second quarter, Johnson ended the day with 106 yards on 11 carries. It’s worth noting that it wasn’t his fault that Napier kept running him straight up the middle, even when it was clear Florida’s offensive line wasn’t generating enough push.

Elijhah Badger
Leading up to game week, much of the buzz suggested Kahleil Jackson might edge out Elijhah Badger for the third starting wide receiver spot. However, Badger ended up starting and lived up to his reputation from the transfer portal.

Targeted six times, he made three catches for 43 yards. Notably, all six targets were beyond 10 yards, showing that he could stretch the field—something Florida desperately needed. In contrast, fellow transfer receiver Chimere Dike managed just one catch for 11 yards. Moving forward, Badger deserves a larger role in the offense.

Pup Howard
A transfer to Florida in the offseason, Pup Howard was a player we were genuinely excited to see, and he didn’t disappoint.

He was the most dynamic linebacker on the field for Florida, making several open-field tackles early on before Miami decided to target other players.

Tyreak Sapp
While Justus Boone had a rough day, Tyreak Sapp made the most of his 21 snaps on Saturday afternoon.

Sapp recorded two hurries, two tackles, one assist, and a sack in those 21 snaps, and he should see more playing time moving forward.