No conspiracy that Billy Napier isn’t walking into 2025 quietly. After two seasons of turbulence and skepticism, the Florida Gators’ head coach has a shot at redemption. And that shot, more than anything, rests in the hands of DJ Lagway. The talismanic 6’2” sophomore quarterback is the singular reason Florida is generating real offseason buzz. The Gators, fresh off a much-needed four-game winning streak to close out 2024, are suddenly the SEC’s favorite dark horse. But here’s the catch: Florida’s 2025 campaign isn’t just a hopeful resurgence. It’s a tightrope walk.

And with DJ Lagway on the beats, Napier’s program might be on the verge of a breakthrough. Yet, one misstep—one fatal coaching miscue—and the noise about Napier’s job security will hit deafening levels. Josh Pate isn’t ruling Florida out of the SEC race just yet. When someone asked about the Gators’ chances in 2025 on his JP College Football Show, the CBS Sports analyst gave a two-word answer: “Decent chance.” That’s notable, considering Florida’s brutal schedule and the general instability in the SEC.

Nevertheless, Mr. Pate sees the opportunity. “We know the story about the schedule,” he explained. “They had the number one strength of schedule in the country last year. It doesn’t change much. They got the number two strength of schedule in the country this year.” In other words, Florida is once again running a gauntlet. And while the “you are what your record says you are” crowd will use that against them, Pate isn’t buying it. “If you’re looking at Brigham Young’s schedule and you’re looking at Florida’s schedule and you think they’re playing the same sport, they’re not,” he said. That’s the reality.

The Gators will face seven of FanDuel’s top 14 national title contenders in 2025. It’s an unforgiving slate, but Pate sees a clear path: “There’s uncertainty everywhere at quarterback in the SEC though. Now that’s the good news for Florida because they have certainty. So if DJ Lagway just goes off, they may have the best quarterback in the conference.” That’s the X-factor.

Lagway isn’t just a talented passer—he’s the type of quarterback who can change the math in an ultra-competitive SEC. He’s got the arm, the athleticism, and the command to elevate a team that, on paper, shouldn’t be in the playoff discussion. But for that vision to materialize, Lagway has to be on the field. And that’s where things get murky.

Billy Napier recently revealed that his star DJ will be “limited from a throwing perspective” due to a shoulder issue, and the ambiguity surrounding that news has raised some serious questions. AP’s Mark Long, speaking on 1010XL, wasn’t shy about his concerns. “There’s something going on over there,” he said. “They said he’s going to be limited in throwing activities. He never had a shoulder injury last year. He had a… hamstring. Well, the hamstring was in November. Matt, it’s March. The hamstring was four months ago. Why would the hamstring affect the shoulder?” And the lack of clarity only adds to the unease. Long even asked Billy Napier directly whether DJ Lagway underwent offseason surgery, and the answer was a firm “no.” So what’s going on?

Injuries are always part of the game, but in Lagway’s case, any setback is a potential disaster. Florida’s offensive identity in 2025 is built around him. If he’s less than 100%, or if this shoulder issue lingers into the season, Napier is suddenly staring at a nightmare scenario. The Gators’ recent class of 25’ No. 10 in the recruiting with 10 four-star commits has bolstered the roster, but there’s no plan B for Billy that inspires the same level of confidence. So, roster can’t be an excuse.

This is the paradox of Florida football right now. On the one hand, they’ve got a quarterback who could be the most dynamic playmaker in the SEC. On the other hand, they’re staring down another brutal schedule. And let’s just say there’s more than a few worries creeping in.

Something’s fishy in the Swamp? Concerns grow over DJ Lagway’s shoulder

Not everyone is convinced things are as straightforward as they seem when it comes to DJ Lagway’s shoulder. Veteran reporter Mark Long isn’t quite sold on the situation, questioning the lack of clarity. “I’m not sure I’m buying it, Matt,” Long said. “Something is fishy…” One major red flag?

Lagway is seeking a second opinion—a point head coach Billy Napier openly acknowledged during his media availability on Thursday.

Lagway has already battled injuries before, missing a game last November due to a strained hamstring he suffered against Georgia. But despite that setback, he still started every game afterward, including Florida’s bowl win over Tulane in December.

Napier insists the team is handling things carefully. “I think our intentions here are to be very smart,” he said. “I do think he’ll be limited in throwing activities. But he’ll participate in all practices otherwise. We’ve done a lot of homework here relative to the things he went through as a player. He was an absolute warrior and a great competitor that showed toughness.” To keep Lagway engaged during spring drills, coaches will let him call plays for backup QB Harrison Bailey, a transfer from Louisville.

So with this expanded playoff and the SEC snagging a fat chunk of those automatic bids, Napier’s looking at a pretty doable path to CFP next year. Ever since Urban Meyer, they’ve been MIA in the dominance department, and let’s be real, Gainesville’s got the patience of a gnat. Napier better get those fishy smells out of the Swamp, and fast, because that $27.1 million buyout? It’s starting to look less like a number and more like a ticking time bomb.