Picture this: a rising quarterback with a cannon arm and a knack for lighting up scoreboards makes a high-profile move to a powerhouse program. Three weeks later, he’s already packing his bags. Sound wild? Buckle up, because this story’s got more twists than a summer blockbuster, and the reasoning behind the sudden exit? Let’s just say it’ll make you do a double take.

When DeShawn Purdie first hit the transfer portal in December after a promising year at Charlotte, the offers came rolling in. Florida Gators snapped him up fast, signing him on December 22 last year, hoping to add some depth behind their future star, DJ Lagway. But here’s the kicker: Purdie apparently didn’t realize that Lagway was the guy for 2025. Yeah, everyone else knew it, but somehow, the memo missed him.

It’s not like Florida head coach Billy Napier was out there spinning fairy tales. Insiders say Napier never promised Purdie a starting gig, so how did he just now figure out he’d be riding the bench? It’s one of the strangest transfer moves of this cycle, leaving fans scratching their heads and asking, ‘Who’s advising this kid?’

All of this just weeks after the QB had heavily appreciated Napier’s team and roster. “The coaching and their drive to be great. They have a good chip on their shoulder. The coaching staff and players, I loved to see them work, how they come together, have fun at practice and everyone comes together as one,” he told Gators Online about what he liked from his official visit, before adding:

“It was the staff for me, man. Not just the coaches, but the director of personnel (Jacob LaFrance) and the recruitment (department). There is just a lot of support and I love to see that support in the building and the amount of respect each of them have for each other.” Well, it certainly didn’t age well…

Having said that, both Purdie and DJ Lagway were true freshmen in 2024, but their paths couldn’t have been more different. Lagway proved his mettle against SEC defenses, racking up 1,915 yards, 12 touchdowns, and nine interceptions while completing nearly 60% of his passes. Purdie, meanwhile, showed flashes of talent at Charlotte!

He threw for 1,802 yards, made 10 touchdowns, and made six picks, but all against weaker competitors. His 50% completion rate and struggles against teams like Tulane and Memphis didn’t exactly scream ‘SEC-ready.’ Yet, the potential is there, and that’s what had Florida interested. Now, Purdie finds himself back in the portal, needing to request a release from his financial aid agreement before making his next move. Brace yourselves, college football fans—this saga isn’t over yet.

If there’s one thing Gainesville loves, it’s blaming Billy Napier for…well, anything. But this mess? It’s not on him. The reality is that Purdie’s camp gave him bad advice. Instead of weighing his options and understanding Florida’s long-term plans, he leaped in with blinders on. Now, Napier has to answer questions he doesn’t deserve, while Gators fans are left wondering what could’ve been.

Florida Gators Championship odds according to sportsbooks

Now, speaking of Florida, let’s shift gears to their championship hopes. The Gators are sitting at +5500 odds on FanDuel and +6000 on DraftKings to take it all next season. Not exactly top-tier, but not bottom-barrel either. They’ve got eight SEC squads ranked ahead of them, including heavyweights like Georgia, LSU, and Tennessee. Oh, and Miami? Yeah, they’re flexin’ with +3500 odds. Florida’s got some big catching up to do.

But here’s where it gets interesting: DJ Lagway. Out of all the hype around QBs like Arch Manning and Garrett Nussmeier, Lagway’s Heisman odds are through the roof. Translation? If Lagway explodes onto the scene, the Gators could be in for a wild ride. Florida fans aren’t exactly known for their patience, so they’re hoping Lagway lives up to the hype.

With the Gators missing out on the playoff party yet again, it’s playoff-or-bust time for Napier. The new 12-team playoff format gives ‘em a wider window, but that window ain’t gonna stay open forever. The roster’s got talent, no doubt, but can they put it all together? That’s the million-dollar question.

The Gators’ schedule next season? Brutal. But with Lagway at the helm and some young guns ready to step up, Florida could surprise a lot of folks. One thing’s for sure: Napier’s seat is getting warmer by the day. So, where does this leave us? Purdie’s saga might be messy, but Florida’s focus is clear—win or go home. Lagway’s got the keys to the Gators’ future, and the pressure’s on to deliver. Whether they’re underdogs or just underrated, Florida’s story next season is shaping up to be one wild ride. Buckle up, fam. It’s about to get real in Gainesville.