Florida Star DJ Lagway Named One of the Best College Football QBs Despite Injury Concerns

Last year, the Florida Gators had to “break glass in case of emergency,” with starting quarterback Graham Mertz, a five-year starter, suffering a season-ending torn ACL midway through the 2024 campaign. Head coach Billy Napier and Florida opted to unleash true freshman quarterback DJ Lagway in the absence of Mertz.

A 19-year-old, Lagway played the rest of the season for the Gators sans when injured, throwing for eight touchdowns against six interceptions across seven starts. A dual-threat passer, he added 52

Although statistically underwhelming, the expectation remains that the former five-star mega prospect will make a massive jump in production this season. The expectation is so strong that CBS Sports’ Tom Fornelli believes he is one of the best-returning passers in the NCAA. On Monday, On3’s Alex Byington highlighted Fornelli’s work, specifically when the CBS Sports talking head suggested Lagway had the “highest ceiling on the Top 10 list.”

Fornelli even claimed that the “2024 No. 1 overall recruit and former Five-Star Plus+ signee could have the Gators back in national title contention if he can build off last season’s success.”

Lagway’s 154.9 quarterback rating, rather than his touchdown and interception ratios, is a stronger indicator of future success. His QB rating finished ahead of Cade Klubnik, who is the leader in the clubhouse in terms of most touchdown passes by returning passers.

According to DraftKings Sportsbook, Lagway is sixth in Heisman Trophy Award odds, tied with Georgia Bulldogs passer Gunner Stockton. Legendary Florida superstar Tim Tebow is the last Heisman Trophy winner for the Gators, winning in 2007.

Lagway is currently dealing with a shoulder injury, which limited him to handoffs during last weekend’s team spring practice. However, reports indicate he will begin a throwing program within the next few weeks.