As Billy Napier enters his fourth season as Florida’s head coach, expectations in Gainesville are soaring. The Gators closed out their 2024 campaign with an impressive four-game winning streak behind freshman sensation DJ Lagway, who stepped in after Graham Mertz’s injury and showed why he was one of the nation’s most highly-touted recruits. With Lagway returning alongside a veteran offensive line and key defensive pieces, ESPN has identified the Gators as potential College Football Playoff first-timers in their latest preview of the 2025 season.
MORE | Portal TRANSFORMS Florida’s 2025 Schedule: LSU, Miami, and More Making Massive Moves
“The Gators again have one of the most difficult schedules in the country, but they also have one of the best quarterbacks in DJ Lagway — as long as they can keep him healthy. Lagway went 6-1 as the starter last year, but the Gators are lower on this list because of a gauntlet that includes road games at LSU, Miami, Texas A&M and Ole Miss. It would be surprising to see Florida win the SEC — but if it finishes with two or maybe even three losses, depending on the games and opponents, it could earn an at-large bid.”
Building on the program’s momentum, Lagway’s standout freshman performance has already placed him in ESPN’s early discussions for college football’s most prestigious individual honor.
“DJ Lagway, QB, Florida: There was some concern this spring about Lagway’s throwing shoulder, but coach Billy Napier said Lagway should be 100% by June. He was one of the top true freshmen in college football last season and led the Gators to wins in their last four games of the season after Graham Mertz was injured. At 6-3 and 240 pounds, Lagway has elite arm strength and is extremely tough to bring down in or outside the pocket. He threw 12 touchdown passes in 192 attempts last season.” — from Chris Low
With a challenging schedule ahead and a potential Heisman candidate at quarterback, the 2025 season could mark a turning point for Florida football under Napier’s leadership. All eyes will be on Lagway and the Gators as they aim to make their first College Football Playoff appearance.
Support Gators Breakdown and get your Florida Gators merch at Fanatics
0 Comments