Does DJ Lagway have more to him than meets the eye? His freshman season at Florida didn’t stand out unlike his collegiate debut starting against Samford. Billy Napier juggled between three quarterbacks: Graham Mertz, Aidan Warner, and himself. So we can see why the 19-year-old couldn’t compile a statement record. Even after the season, the Gators’ QB dilemma didn’t end with another eye-raising development from a former Charlotte QB. But despite all these hurdles, there’s still a ray of light for Billy Napier in Gainesville. 

SEC insider Mike Bratton had an interesting discussion with Paul Finebaum on his show, during which he made a bold claim about DJ Lagway. In a new YouTube episode on That SEC Football Podcast, he declared, “I think DJ Lagway is not only the best quarterback in the SEC. I think he could be the best quarterback in the country. And if he is that, Florida, believe it or not, Paul, I think they could be a playoff dark horse themselves.”

These high words of praise came after the highly controversial arrival and departure of QB DeShawn Purdie. As Mertz will be entering the 2025 NFL Draft, the Charlotte transfer joined Florida in December with the hope of starting this year after a good season, recording 1,802 yards and 10 touchdowns. But Purdie made the mistake of overlooking DJ Lagway, the Gators’ existing playmaker, which ultimately led to his leaving the program.

While it may be a loss to lose Purdie, Florida is in good hands under Lagway. This past season, he played in 12 games and started in 7, raking up 1,915 yards and 12 scores. But it was his first start against Samford that won the nation’s interest. He led the Gators in a dominant 45-7 win with 456 yards and three touchdowns, breaking a 2003 program record in his debut CFB start. So, you see the potential there. And next season, all focus will be on their starter. And coupled with Napier’s reinforcements, the playoffs might not be a far-fetched goal. 

Can DJ Lagway fulfill the expectations?

It’s too early to make predictions now, but it has already started. Florida’s championship odds for the next season rests at +5500 odds and +6000 odds on FanDuel and DraftKings, respectively. They’re behind eight SEC teams which include powerhouses in the likes of Georgia and Tennessee. Quite some strings to pull together. But their expected rise as a dark horse will rest mainly in the hands of DJ Lagway. 

Billy Napier has also revamped the 2025 roster with some big-time recruits. They don’t have a lot of transfers entering Gainesville for the next season with just three 3-star players. But the Gators rounded up one of the top ranking commit classes in the nation at No. 11 with 26 commits. Among these are 5-star WR Dallas Wilson, 14 4-star commits, and 13 3-star players.

With these new additions and more playing time, it remains to be seen if DJ Lagway can save Billy Napier from his conundrum.