Spring game set for April 13 at night in the Swamp

The Florida Gators’ spring game is set for Thursday, April 13, under the lights at the Swamp.

UF announced the game date Monday — two days before the final National Signing Day — but has yet to decide on a game time.

Coach Billy Napier’s second Florida team will look much different from his first one following a 6-7 season ending on a three-game losing streak. The Gators must replace 12 starters following draft decisions, transfers and the expiration of eligibility.

Quarterback Anthony Richardson headlines the departed group. Wisconsin transfer Graham Mertz is the front-runner to replace Richardson.

Redshirt sophomore Jack Miller II and redshirt freshman Max Brown are the team’s other scholarship quarterbacks after the school released California high-schooler Jaden Rashada from his national letter of intent following the collapse of a $13 million name, image and likeness deal.

A Thursday night game allows Florida to seize center stage.

Other SEC schools are sure to stage spring games the same weekend, but the April 13 date provides the Gators a national audience.

UF also will be able to host top recruits rather than compete with other schools offering visits during the same weekend.

Florida will begin spring ball in mid-March, with the 15-practice schedule culminating with the Orange and Blue game. More details, including streaming and broadcast information and fan initiatives, are yet to be determined.

The game will be just the second spring game since 2019, former coach Dan Mullen’s second year. The COVID-19 pandemic shut down sports during the spring of 2020, canceling both practices and the spring game.

Safety concerns led Mullen to stage a final practice on March 20, 2021, without fans or media.