The Gators, led by head coach Billy Napier, produced a top-ten-ranked class nationally last year. There were many prospects who looked well-oiled and brimming with potential, but we all know true freshman talents take some time to settle in, learn the intricacies of the offense, and mostly redshirt their first season. DJ Lagway’s plans were going to be quite similar last season, even though he was the first-ranked QB nationally. However, this quarterback was unlike others; he was always eager to take the field.
Lagway stepped up in the season and produced one of the most famous redemption stories of 2024. The QB started 7 games and turned back the program, which was reeling from Graham Mertzand Warner’s errors game after game. The Gators finished that season with an 8-5 overall record thanks to Lagway. No one had expected the true freshman QB to be this prolific, as he lost just one game and notched up 1,915 passing yards along with 101 rushing yards. The future sure looked bright, and the ceiling was sky-high. Yet, there was a slight problem.
Even prior to joining the Gators, Lagway experienced shoulder issues that occasionally caused him trouble. Last season, the quarterback faced significant limitations due to a variety of injuries, including a hamstring injury that forced him to leave the game against Georgia. That injury might have sidelined the QB for just one game against the Longhorns, but the shoulder injury looks more chronic.
According to Chris Gordy, an SEC insider and host of ‘Locked on SEC,’ DJ Lagway may have to undergo surgery to overcome his shoulder injury. “Matt Hayes had a report about it saying that they believe the shoulder injury is going to require surgery at some point”. Gordy even pointed out a grim scenario. “If he has to have the surgery now, he will not be ready for the start of the season because of the table time for recovery.“
The player would not undergo surgery now and has decided to rest the injury out. This was the reason we didn’t see him throw too much in the spring; moreover, with some hamstring issues, his involvement was scarce. Delaying surgery could worsen Lagway’s situation. As of now, Lagway’s inability to build chemistry with the offensive players and newcomers due to his non-appearance has become a concern. Moving forward, the aggravation of the injury in the absence of surgery would be another major concern throughout the 2025 season.
