I am ready to help the swamp,Florida football legend Tim Tebow excited as new Head coach Gators season and future…

I am ready to help the swamp,Florida football legend Tim Tebow excited as new Head coach Gators season and future…

‘A lot of improvement:’ Florida football legend Tim Tebow excited for Gators season and future

The eyes of the SEC world have turned their attention to Gainesville.

The Gators, fresh off a 5-7 season, open their 2024 season vs in-state rival

SEC Nation, the SEC Network’s version of College Gameday, is in town for the first time in three years. This means Florida football legend Tim Tebow has landed in Gainesville.

Tebow spoke to the media Friday afternoon to talk all things Gators.

Here’s what the former Heisman Trophy winner and two-time national champion said:

Tim Tebow thinks Gators have good problem with Graham Mertz, DJ Lagway

Many Gator fans have wondered what Lagway’s role will be in Florida’s offense.

Graham Mertz has a firm grasp on the starting job, but Lagway was a five-star recruit and Mr. Texas Football.

During Tebow’s freshman year in 2006, he split time with senior QB Chris Leak. The system worked to perfection as the Gators won the national championship.

Tim Tebow, top, and Chris Leak, embrace after Tebow’s first college career touchdown in the fourth quarter at the University of Florida v Southern Mississippi game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 2, 2006.

Tebow said Friday he loved the split time.

“There can be a lot of value,” Tebow said. “I think the right styles and right mindset really matter for it. One of the things that helped us is I knew before the game what I was being asked to do.”

Tebow called Lagway a phenomenal player and athlete.

He praised Mertz, though, and emphasized how his experience helps the Gators.

“You look at how much he’s been pressured, how much he’s learned over the years, how he’s adapted,” Tebow said. “He’s someone I have a lot of respect for.”

Ultimately, Tebow believes the Gators have a good problem on their hands with how to balance Mertz and Lagway.

“Both of them add so much, from leadership to talent to building a culture,” Tebow said. “Both of them are additions to the team and make it better.”

Wants to see Miami games more often

Florida’s Ahmad Black tackles Miami’s Dedrick Epps during the third quarter of the University of Florida vs University of Miami game at Florida Field Sept. 6, 2008.

Florida-Miami games have become a five-ish year tradition.

In the last 20 years, the two played in 2008, 2013, 2019 and now 2024.

Tebow yearns to see the game happen more.

“I think we should play for who’s the best in the state as being one of the best states in this awesome game,” he said. “I think it’s the perfect way to start the season for both teams.”

Tebow battled the ‘Canes once in 2008. UF won 26-3 en route to a national championship, and the QB threw for 256 yards and two TDs.

That game was also the last time “The U” traveled up to Gainesville.

“It was a very memorable game, loved it a lot,” Tebow said. “You look at the talent and years of success at Miami, it’s an incredible program.”

Available to help Florida football whenever

Tebow was asked if he’s given any advice to coach Billy Napier.

He responded and said Napier doesn’t need the advice, but that he’s happy to support the program.

“I believe that he’s a good person, and he really loves all the kids, and he loves developing the team and culture,” Tebow said of Napier. “I feel like there’s a lot of improvement in that buy in and togetherness.”

Florida’s schedule this season has been much maligned, but Tebow knows Mertz has the right mindset. When Tebow asked Mertz about the slate, the current Gator QB and standard-bearer of #15 said “those teams have to play us too.”

“I think when you’re here in Florida, you have to have that mindset,” he said. “You have to have a little bit of that chip on the shoulder.”

Expects big season from Trey Wilson

Tebow called Wilson’s freshman campaign in 2023 “phenomenal.”

Now, though, Wilson becomes a WR1 with Ricky Pearsall’s departure. Tebow eyes a big season due to the amount of strength the sophomore put on.

“Still extremely quick, explosive, but I think he’s going to be even more physical this year,” he said. “I expect him to take the next steps as one of the better receivers in the SEC.”

Florida Gators wide receiver Eugene Wilson III (3) hauls in a pass during Fall practice at Sanders Practice Fields in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, August 1, 2024. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]