DJ Lagway is undoubtedly one of Billy Napier’s most prized weapons. He’s been electrifying since Graham Mertz went down, storming onto the field like a man on a mission—powering the Gators to a stunning four straight wins and an impressive 8-5 finish. Now, he’s the guy—the starter, the centerpiece, the one everyone’s watching. But where is his focus? Well, it’s not entirely on the playbook. He’s also wisely capitalizing on a major NIL opportunity, just like many of his fellow stars.

Let’s be frank: DJ Lagway’s phenomenal 1,900-yard, 12-touchdown season didn’t just boost Florida’s profile; it also significantly increased his market value. Like Jeremiah Smith, Ryan Williams, and Jaxson Dart, who parlayed breakout performances into lucrative NIL deals, Lagway has earned his seat at the table. In fact, Dart just inked a deal with this brand earlier this year; Ohio State’s star receiver, Jeremiah Smith, even signed on before his national championship game; and Alabama’s Williams also joined their roster this offseason. Lagway’s now part of a wave of high-profile freshmen partnering with this powerhouse brand, and he’s clearly making the most of it.

Even before taking a single snap as the starter, Gatorade tapped him for a commercial. And now? He’s raising the stakes with a partnership with Nintendo and Epic Games. Picture this: a Fortnite advertisement featuring Lagway, totally engrossed in a Nintendo Switch—because apparently, dominating defenses wasn’t enough; now he’s conquering gaming lobbies too.

And that impressive $3.7 million On3 NIL valuation didn’t materialize out of thin air!

From the moment he set foot on campus, offers started pouring in. Florida Victorious, the NIL collective backed by the University of Florida, ensured DJ Lagway stayed local. Then came the likes of Gatorade, Leaf Trading Cards, and a surge of national brands eager to get involved. Plus, his rankings are also making a big buzz.

He is currently ranked No. 4 in the college football NIL rankings and No. 7 in the On3 NIL 100 too. Well, a year ago, he was a five-star recruit with potential. But now? He’s a cash-generating machine. However, there’s a catch. Despite Lagway making significant moves off the field, things might appear a bit shaky for him on the field.

Is Billy Napier putting DJ Lagway’s future in jeopardy?

Well, Florida’s offense without DJ Lagway is like a car without an engine—it’s going nowhere. From the moment Lagway took over, he wasn’t just running the show; he was the show. Georgia experienced this firsthand as they struggled to keep up with Lagway’s skillful plays. However, when he got injured, the momentum shifted, and the Dawgs seized the opportunity. This wasn’t just mere bad luck; it was evidence that Florida’s success heavily relies on Lagway.

Moreover, let’s not forget the Ole Miss game, where Lagway didn’t just perform well; he carried Napier’s entire operation. With exceptional pass completions, two touchdowns, and the composure of a seasoned player, Lagway is the cornerstone that Napier needs to build upon. If the head coach can put his ego aside and stop trying to prove he’s the smartest person in the room, Florida and Lagway might actually have a genuine chance of making a significant impact.

Placing faith in Florida feels like trusting a faulty slot machine; it might just hit the jackpot, but history cautions against it. As Brandon Olson aptly stated on Locked On College Football: “I don’t think that if you go into year four opting to not hire an offensive coordinator, I don’t think if things go bad, you get to go ‘oh, but next year, I’ll hire an OC,’ and we’ll just call it a day.”

Coach Napier’s predictable play-calling against Miami was a huge red flag. If things don’t change, 2025 is looking like another repeat of past failures, not a breakthrough year. Will Napier finally bring in a real OC for the Gators?