DJ Lagway’s journey is just beginning. His freshman year provided valuable learning experiences, and now the stage is set for him to take over as the full-time starter in 2025
With the right development, he has the potential to be one of the best quarterbacks in college football. Florida fans have every reason to be excited—the Lagway era is here.
As the Florida Gators begin spring practice on March 6, all eyes will be on DJ Lagway and his development as the team’s starting quarterback. His performance last season was encouraging, but there is still plenty of room for growth.
The next few weeks will be crucial in shaping Florida’s roster, refining their strategies, and setting the foundation for success in 2025.
With a structured practice schedule and key scrimmages ahead, the Gators have a valuable opportunity to build momentum for the upcoming season.
Also Read: Could Matthew Stafford Follow Russell Wilson’s Path? NFL Analyst Sparks Controversy
Table of Contents
DJ Lagway: Who Is He?
The Future of Florida Gators Football
When DJ Lagway arrived at the University of Florida in 2024, expectations were tempered.1
The five-star quarterback from Willis High School was widely regarded as one of the best recruits in the country, but he was set to begin his college career as the backup to Graham Mertz.
However, fate had different plans. Mertz suffered multiple injuries throughout the season, forcing Lagway into the starting role earlier than expected.
He started seven games as a true freshman, gaining valuable experience that would set the foundation for his future.
While much of the focus will be on Lagway and the offense, Florida’s defense will also need to take major strides in spring practice. Last season, the Gators struggled at times on that side of the ball, particularly against high-powered offenses.
The coaching staff will look to shore up weaknesses in the secondary, improve tackling, and establish a more aggressive pass rush. Strong defensive play in scrimmages will be a positive sign heading into the summer.
Why Lagway Chose Florida Over Other Top Programs
Lagway had no shortage of options when it came to choosing a college.
As the No. 3 recruit in the Class of 2024, he received offers from powerhouse programs such as USC, Georgia, Alabama, LSU, and Texas A&M. Despite these enticing opportunities, he ultimately chose Florida.
On the podcast Outta Pocket with RGIII, Lagway revealed why he picked the Gators over other schools.
“Florida was the place that they were gonna build around me and let me get out there and learn and develop me,” Lagway explained. “I feel like that’s the biggest thing, especially being a young QB these days. You got to go somewhere you’ll be developed, and I felt like Florida was the place for me.”
His decision was not just about playing time—it was about development. He wanted to be in an environment where he could grow both as a player and a leader, and Florida provided him with that opportunity.
DJ Lagway: Adjusting to the College Game
Transitioning from high school to college football is never easy, especially for quarterbacks.2
Lagway acknowledged that the biggest challenge was understanding the complexities of the game at the collegiate level.
“I’m getting better each and every day on different things like coverage recognitions, protections, and all the good stuff like that. So, just learning the game better,” he said.
While high school quarterbacks can often rely on their raw athletic ability, college defenses are far more sophisticated. The speed of the game, disguised coverages, and advanced defensive schemes require young quarterbacks to sharpen their football IQ quickly.
A Glimpse of His Potential in 2024
Despite his limited action in 2024, Lagway showed flashes of brilliance that excited Florida fans.
His ability to extend plays, make off-platform throws, and deliver deep passes gave the offense a dynamic element that was sometimes missing under Mertz.
Though he experienced growing pains, as all freshmen do, the potential was evident.
Understanding the intricacies of Florida’s offensive system will be crucial for Lagway. He has already shown a willingness to learn, but mastery of the playbook will allow him to make quicker reads and execute plays at a higher level.
Freshman quarterbacks often struggle with decision-making, and Lagway was no exception. In 2025, cutting down on turnovers and making smarter choices under pressure will be a major focus.
DJ Lagway:Â Leadership Development
With Mertz gone, Lagway is now the face of the Florida offense. His ability to lead, motivate teammates, and command the locker room will be essential in his development as a true QB1.3
Building strong connections with Florida’s receiving corps will be critical. Timing, trust, and rapport with playmakers can turn a good quarterback into a great one.
The SEC is the toughest conference in college football, and Lagway will face elite defenses every week. How he handles that pressure, both mentally and physically, will determine how far he can take the Gators.
Special teams often make the difference in close games, and Florida will use spring practice to evaluate their kicking, punting, and return units. Field position battles can be crucial, so refining special teams execution will be a priority.
Whether it’s improving field goal accuracy, identifying a reliable punter, or finding dynamic returners, the Gators will aim to make special teams a strength rather than a liability.
Together, we are more powerful! This week, with the support of @RIPAAssociates, we packed bags at Food4Kids. I encourage all of #GatorNation to unite in the battle against child hunger by donating to @F4KNFL through this link: @FL_Victorious #FVFoundation… pic.twitter.com/hHnOLQQ2tN
— LAG ✞ (@DerekLagway) February 20, 2025
Comparisons to Other Young SEC Quarterbacks
Lagway’s situation mirrors that of other young quarterbacks who have taken over programs in recent years.
His development will be compared to QBs like Nico Iamaleava at Tennessee and Dylan Raiola at Georgia—both highly touted recruits looking to make an impact in the SEC.
The Gators are counting on Lagway to lead them back to national relevance. The program has faced inconsistency in recent years, but with a talent like Lagway, they have a chance to compete at the highest level.
If he can develop into the quarterback many expect him to be, Florida could once again become a contender in the SEC.
Also Read:Â Nick Emmanwori: Who Is He? Exploring His Hometown, NFL Draft Projection and Achievements
DJ Lagway and the Florida Gators Begin Spring Practice on March 6
The Florida Gators are set to begin their 2025 spring practice on Thursday, March 6, as they look to build on their strong finish from last season.
One of the most exciting storylines heading into spring practice is the continued development of quarterback DJ Lagway.
Despite being a true freshman last season and originally expected to play only in garbage time, Lagway ended up taking over as the starting quarterback for seven games.
His performance was a bright spot in an otherwise challenging season for the Gators, and his presence under center is a key reason for optimism heading into the new campaign.
With a rigorous spring schedule ahead, including scrimmages and consistent practice sessions, the Gators are looking to refine their play and build chemistry for what they hope will be a much-improved 2025 season.
Offensive Adjustments: Adapting to Lagway’s Strengths
With Lagway now firmly in the starting role, Florida’s coaching staff may tweak their offensive system to better suit his skill set. While he showcased his passing ability last season, his mobility and athleticism could allow for more designed quarterback runs and rollout plays.
The Gators might also emphasize quicker passing concepts to get the ball into the hands of their playmakers, reducing pressure on Lagway to make deep reads. His continued development as a dual-threat quarterback could open up new dimensions in Florida’s offense.
For Lagway to reach his full potential, the offensive line must improve in pass protection and run blocking. Last season, the Gators struggled with consistency in the trenches, often forcing their quarterbacks to escape pressure too quickly.
Spring practice will be crucial in determining which linemen step up and solidify themselves as starters. The coaching staff will likely experiment with different line combinations to find the best group to protect Lagway.
DJ Lagway’s Breakout Freshman Season
Lagway’s freshman campaign exceeded expectations. Originally set to be the backup behind Graham Mertz, circumstances led to him seeing significant playing time.
Over 12 appearances, including seven starts, Lagway threw for 1,915 yards and 12 touchdowns, completing 115 of 192 passes. He also contributed on the ground, rushing 50 times for 101 yards.
His performance played a crucial role in the Gators’ late-season resurgence, culminating in a bowl game victory.
Now, with a full offseason ahead, he has a chance to solidify his role as the unquestioned starter and improve his command of the offense.
The Importance of Spring Practice for Lagway
Spring practice is an essential time for young quarterbacks, and Lagway will benefit tremendously from these crucial weeks of training.
With last season’s experience under his belt, he will focus on improving his decision-making, accuracy, and pocket presence.
Additionally, spring practice will allow him to build a stronger connection with his receivers and adjust to any offensive scheme changes implemented by the coaching staff. His development will be a focal point for the Gators as they aim to elevate their passing attack.
View this post on Instagram
Florida Gators’ Spring Practice Schedule
The Gators’ spring practice officially begins on March 6 and will continue with a structured schedule throughout March and early April.
They will practice three times a week—on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays—except for a break from March 16 to 22 due to spring break.
These practice sessions will be critical for fine-tuning fundamentals, evaluating depth chart battles, and allowing younger players to gain valuable reps.
A key aspect of Lagway’s spring training will be improving his timing and chemistry with his receiving corps.
Florida lost some key pass-catchers from last season, but several young and experienced receivers will be looking to step up.
Building trust with his targets through consistent reps will be essential for Lagway, especially as he works on his deep ball accuracy and timing on intermediate routes. Spring practice provides the perfect opportunity for quarterbacks and receivers to develop a strong rapport before the fall season.
The Battle for the Backup Quarterback Spot
While Lagway is firmly entrenched as the starter, the competition for the backup quarterback role will be one to watch during spring practice. Injuries and unexpected situations can arise in any season, making it crucial for the Gators to have a reliable second option at quarterback.
Who emerges as the No. 2 quarterback will be determined by their performance in practice and scrimmages, making this an important storyline for Florida’s coaching staff to monitor.
While Lagway will be the centerpiece of the offense, the Gators’ rushing attack must also be effective to keep defenses honest. Spring practice will be important for identifying a lead running back and establishing a consistent ground game.
A strong running game will help take pressure off Lagway and create more opportunities for play-action passes. The offensive line’s ability to open running lanes will be closely evaluated in practice.
Also Read: Matt LaFleur’s Unexpected Tribute to Aaron Rodgers After Packers Stunned the NFL
