Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway is shouldering the weight of his team’s early season struggles, pledging to fix his performance as the Gators (1-1) prepare for a pivotal SEC opener against No. 4 LSU (2-0) on September 13. The sophomore signal-caller, once heralded as the nation’s top quarterback recruit, has faced a rocky start to the 2025 season, ranking 73rd among FBS quarterbacks with a 52.1 rating, but he remains resolute in turning things around.
Lagway, a 6-foot-3, 247-pound standout from Willis, Texas, entered his second year with high expectations after a promising freshman campaign in 2024, where he went 6-1 as a starter, throwing for 1,915 yards, 12 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. However, through two games this season, his stats reflect a slower start: 342 passing yards, four touchdowns, and one interception. The Gators’ 18-16 upset loss to USF on September 6 exposed Lagway’s struggles, as he failed to capitalize on key moments. “I put the offensive responsibilities on myself,” Lagway said post-game. “Got to make the plays when I need to make the plays and when my guys are counting on me. So, I put all that on me.”
The 2023 Gatorade High School Player of the Year has faced physical setbacks that may have contributed to his early season woes. A shoulder and core injury sidelined him during spring practice, while a calf strain limited his participation in the first three weeks of fall drills. Despite these challenges, Lagway insists he’s now healthy. “I feel great where my body’s at right now,” he told reporters. “I’m still working on some things mechanically. Like I said, I’m just excited for the grind. Good teams don’t peak in September, they peak in December.”
Head coach Billy Napier echoed Lagway’s optimism, emphasizing the quarterback’s resilience and leadership. “DJ’s a competitor. He’s been through adversity before, and he’s got the mindset to grow from this,” Napier said. The Gators’ coaching staff is focusing on refining Lagway’s mechanics and decision-making, hoping to unlock the potential that made him a consensus five-star recruit in the 2024 class.
Saturday’s matchup against LSU in Baton Rouge presents a formidable challenge. The Tigers, undefeated and riding high after dominant wins, boast a stout defense that will test Lagway’s ability to rebound. A strong performance could silence doubters and propel Florida into SEC contention, while a loss could deepen concerns about the team’s trajectory.
Lagway remains unfazed by the pressure. “I’m ready to continue to work hard and take strides for greatness,” he said, signaling a focus on long-term improvement over early season stumbles. As the Gators head into Death Valley, all eyes will be on whether their young quarterback can deliver on his promise and steer the offense back on track.
With a fanbase eager for a return to SEC prominence, Lagway’s journey from early struggles to potential redemption begins this weekend. The grind, as he calls it, is just getting started.
