Florida Football’s Lagway Looks to Wrangle Texas Defense
Florida quarterback DJ Lagway steps into another big test Saturday when the Gators host No.9 Texas, whose defense is ranked No. 2 in the nation and first in the SEC.
The Longhorns (3-1, 0-0 SEC) are allowing just 7.75 points per game and only 23% of third-down conversions. They are also second in the nation on first-down defense.
Texas star defensive back Jelani McDonald is tied for first with two interceptions in the SEC. The Longhorns also have Anthony Hill Jr., who is ranked the best linebacker in the nation after his 2024 output of 114 total tackles (16.5 for loss), eight sacks and four forced fumbles. It makes him an undisputed leader for the Longhorns defense and a top prospect for the 2026 NFL draft.
Meanwhile, the Gators have stumbled through games. They are putting up 22 points per game for last in the SEC. This includes the points they racked up in their opening game against the LIU Sharks (55-0). Without that, Florida would be averaging just 11 points per game, ranking 100th in scoring offenses in the nation.
The Gators (1-3, 0-1) offense needs to pivot if they plan to make this matchup the turning point of their season. Florida has not scored more than one touchdown against an FBS team this season. Florida has also struggled in third-down conversions after the worst opening months for the team in nearly a decade (converting just 30.91%).
Lagway has struggled, particularly with his passing. He averages less than six yards per pass this season and tallied five interceptions against LSU, the first time this has happened since 1992.
NEW: Florida QB DJ Lagway believes the Gators’ offense will ‘pop’ soon:
“Eventually it’s going to pop. And when it pops, it is going to be hard to stop. I’ll tell you that right now.”
They will host No. 9 Texas in Gainesville this weekend.
(h/t @ZachAbolverdi)… pic.twitter.com/23jOkr8B8D
Lagway said he’s been improving during the bye week.
“I’ve been working on my pocket movement, keeping my base position through throws,” Lagway said Monday. “I feel like every single day I’m getting more comfortable in it and getting better.”
It’s not all bad for the Gators, however. They have some help coming in on offense. Freshman receiver Dallas Wilson will make his debut in the Texas game. He showed promise in the spring game by catching 10 passes for 195 yards and two touchdowns. But he was out due to a leg injury during preseason camp. He is now ready to go out and play.
“His ability to go deep, his ability to make plays underneath and be able to make miraculous plays with the ball in his hands, it’s going to be great to have him back,” Lagway said.
Category: College Football, Football, Gators Football
