Lagway Cleared To Start Florida Football’s Opener On Saturday

Sophomore quarterback DJ Lagway will start Saturday’s season opener against LIU, Florida coach Billy Napier confirmed at Monday’s weekly news conference on campus.

This announcement comes off the heels of an offseason of uncertainty surrounding the young star and his availability as he battled through both a shoulder and calf injury during the offseason.

“DJ is the starting quarterback,” Napier stated Monday. “[He] has been a 100% participant in practice for several days. … I think he looks better every day, I think he’s having a lot of fun playing football and competing, I think he’s smiling a lot more often now.” 

Lagway is coming off a standout true freshman season, which set expectations high for 2025. He posted a 154.9 QBR with 1,915 yards passing and 12 touchdowns in only seven starts.

The Gators posted a 6-1 record in games that Lagway started last season. The lone loss came against Georgia, where he went down with an injury.

Napier also labeled the 20 year-old quarterback as a leader for the team heading into the fall.

“I think you see [DJ] is in a different place from a leadership standpoint because of what he experienced last year…I think it’s been his team since January,” he said.

This offseason, five preseason watchlists, including the Walter Camp Award watchlist, have named Lagway as a candidate, but he’s no stranger to pressure.

“I think the battle begins in the mind,” Napier said. “I think for [DJ] that has been a bit of a challenge but it’s been healthy for him.” 

According to ESPN FPI, the Gators are slated to take on the toughest schedule in the nation. The season kicks off on Saturday against Long Island at the Swamp.

Category: College Football, Gators Football