DJ Lagway is no stranger to the spotlight. As Florida’s quarterback of the future and one of the most highly regarded signal-callers in the country, his every move is dissected by Gator Nation. The sophomore standout is expected to lead Billy Napier’s squad into the 2025 season with sky-high expectations, and the pressure that comes with it is nothing new. Whether it’s his arm strength, mobility, or ability to keep his composure under fire, Lagway has all the makings of an elite college quarterback. And as the best QB in Florida, he has got the Gators fans talking with his comment on this “stunning” softball player.

The post in question belonged to Ava Brown, a star in her own right within Florida Gators athletics. The 5’8″ phenom has been a force for Gators softball, earning the 2023 Gatorade National Softball Player of the Year honors and becoming one of the most electric two-way players in the country. She was instrumental in Florida’s success, making 63 starts across 67 games while racking up 39 hits, 13 home runs, and eight doubles. Her dominance on the diamond has made her a fan favorite. As the 2025 season approached, she participated in a team photo shoot, turning heads in the Gators’ softball colors.

Posting a striking pre-game image with the caption, “Twas the night before game day…” The post, meant to generate excitement for the upcoming season, quickly gained traction—not just for Brown’s status as one of the best players in the nation but also because of the attention it received from one of Florida’s biggest stars. That’s where DJ Lagway entered the picture. As the comments poured in, one stood out above the rest. The Gators’ QB1 dropped a simple but telling remark beneath Brown’s post: “Stunning.” A single word, but one that carried plenty of weight as fans connected the dots.

Almost instantly, social media was flooded with reactions, with some fans playfully speculating about the nature of Lagway’s admiration, while others simply enjoyed the crossover between two of Florida’s top sophomores. While the internet ran wild with the exchange, Lagway’s primary focus remains on the field, where he’s being heralded as the key to Florida’s resurgence.

On3 sports analyst Ari Wasserman ranked him as the No. 3 returning player in college football for 2025, ahead of several Heisman hopefuls.

“His potential is so high, in fact, that he could be the get-out-of-jail-free card that eventually leads to Billy Napier being the Gators coach into the future,” Wasserman wrote.“Lagway is big, strong, physical and has a rocket arm.” That’s the kind of pressure that comes with being the face of the program, especially one that’s been searching for stability at quarterback for years.

There’s no doubt that 2025 will be the defining year of Lagway’s early career. After a promising freshman campaign in which he posted a 6-1 record as a starter, throwing for 1,915 yards and 12 touchdowns while rushing for 101 more, the expectation is that he takes an even bigger leap.

Does Florida and Napier’s hope lie in DJ Lagway?

Billy Napier is heading into his fourth season with the Florida Gators, and let’s just say the seat under him is getting warmer by the minute. After an 8-5 rollercoaster of a season in 2024, fans and critics alike are wondering if he’s the guy to lead Florida back to national relevance. And according to SEC insider Clint Shamblin, Napier’s future isn’t just about his coaching—it’s about one player in particular: DJ Lagway.

On the latest episode of the Locked on SEC podcast, Shamblin didn’t sugarcoat it. “If DJ Lagway gets hurt or doesn’t progress at all, they’re gonna get rid of you, too,” he said. That’s the reality Napier is facing. Lagway, the highly touted five-star quarterback, is seen as the key to the Gators’ resurgence.

If he flourishes, Napier might just buy himself more time in Gainesville. But if Lagway struggles—or worse, suffers an injury—Napier could be out the door before the season’s even over.