“I can’t believe he survived that.” That’s what Josh Pate said about Billy Napier, as his $27.1 million buyout money was making waves. And DJ Lagway, his quarterback, is to thank for that survival. Lagway led the Gators to a flawless start, winning six games under his belt while throwing for 1,915 yards and 12 touchdowns. The former five-star phenom is now locked in as Florida’s full-time QB1. As a sophomore, he’s not just a rising star; he’s expected to be one of the most electric playmakers in all of college football. And the hype in Gainesville is very real.

But it hasn’t been all smooth sailing for DJ Lagway this offseason. He faced his share of injury setbacks. Florida HC Billy Napier revealed that Lagway would be limited as a passer during spring, battling a shoulder injury. According to USA Today’s Matt Hayes, Lagway didn’t throw at all in spring camp and might even need surgery. To make matters tougher, he’s also been dealing with a core-related lower body issue. “I think our intentions here are to be very smart. 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,” Billy Napier said.

Simply put, despite the setbacks, Lagway’s toughness and grit continue to fuel high expectations heading into the 2025 season. Following that, DJ Lagway’s injury concerns just took a major turn—and it’s all positive.

After months of uncertainty, confidence is surging in Gainesville. On the May 25th episode of his College Football Show, Josh Pate delivered a glowing update that should have Gator Nation buzzing. “I’m extremely high on DJ Lagway. Now that I went down to Florida a couple of weeks ago and had all my injury concerns eased, I think DJ Lagway is on this list. I think he’s in a great spot. He took over midway through last year because Mertz got hurt, and so he had flashes. This is the year I think he could really explode,” Pate said.

But it’s not just Pate; DJ Lagway himself lit up social media last month when he posted a video of him throwing a football—his first public action since being sidelined late last season. Fans and analysts quickly took notice, with some even calling it an AI-generated video. However, Lagway’s father, Derek, told Gators Online that DJ is indeed throwing again, just behind closed doors. “He’s throwing,” Lagway Sr. said. “I think it’s 45 balls to 80 balls. Something like that. He’s working his way up. He’s taking his time.”

So, with voices backing him and his health trending upward, Lagway looks poised to take the SEC—and the nation—by storm in 2025. And why not? DJ Lagway is walking into a dream setup in Gainesville.

He’s got protection up front with one of the best offensive lines in the country. The arsenal? Loaded. Targets like J. Michael Sturdivant, Tre Wilson, Aidan Mizell, and freshman phenom Dallas Wilson give him serious firepower on the outside. Add in the SEC’s top-tier backfield duo— Ja’Kobi Jackson and Jadan Baugh—Lagway has all the tools to torch defenses. With this much talent around him, the stage is set for a breakout season.

And Josh Pate summed it up perfectly when breaking down DJ Lagway’s 2025 setup. Surrounded by a stacked O-line, a good running game, and talented receivers, Lagway won’t have to do everything by himself. As Pate said, “Got a good offensive line. They’re going to have a good running game. He’s got good receiving options to throw it to. So he could be a Superman-type player, but this is not a situation where he has to be that is my point. They’re not asking him to go Cam Newton circa 2010 and just carry everyone. And I think he’s going to have a huge jump this year.” So, all signs point to a breakout campaign—and Lagway has the perfect storm around him to make it happen.

Last season, when Graham Mertz went down with a season-ending knee injury against Tennessee, Florida didn’t flinch. True freshman DJ Lagway stepped in and lit it up. In his first start, Lagway exploded for 456 yards and 3 TDs in a 45–7 rout of Samford. He shattered Florida’s freshman passing record, a mark untouched since Chris Leak in 2003. Lagway didn’t just fill in—he took over. His poise, arm talent, and playmaking instantly energized the Gators and turned him into one of CFB’s hottest young stars.

A bold prediction just dropped for Billy Napier’s Gators, with Josh Pate naming DJ Lagway as the X-factor who could flip the national narrative. “I know that Florida’s not on everyone’s national title radar or anything like that. There’s a chance that he ends up being the most dynamic player at his position in the country. And if he is that, then Florida is—they’re a contender to be taken seriously in the playoff conversation. Tough schedule or not, if he is what I think he could be this year, then Florida is going to be a really tough out,” Pate said. Honestly, with Lagway at the helm, the Gators could be the surprise threat no one sees coming.

While Billy Napier’s dream is taking shape with DJ Lagway under center, the star quarterback is making headlines with NIL buzz and early Heisman hype.

DJ Lagway’s latest headline-grabbing move

Before the Gators gear up for summer workouts, DJ Lagway made waves off the field. The 19-YO QB took to social media to announce his latest NIL deal—with none other than Lamborghini Orlando. “Would you choose the orange or the blue Lamborghini? 🐊” Lagway teased in his post. “Thank you Lamborghini Orlando for hosting me and my family for this awesome event, and to everyone who showed up to support!” Already a rising star, Lagway boasts an NIL valuation of $3.7 M, per On3. His brand game is elite—teaming up with big names like Gatorade, Leaf Trading Cards, Epic Games, EA Sports, Nintendo, and more.

As a true freshman, Lagway lit up the field with a 6-1 record under center. His only loss? A tough battle against Georgia, where he played through a painful hamstring injury. Now a true sophomore, Lagway enters 2025 with sky-high expectations. ESPN has already pegged him as the No. 4 Heisman Trophy contender in the country. With talent, toughness, and momentum on his side, Lagway looks ready to lead the Gators into a new era of dominance.

DJ Lagway’s growth in 2024 was undeniable. From early snaps to the bowl game, his pocket presence soared—thanks in part to a hamstring injury that sharpened his processing and forced him to evolve as a pure passer. Though not perfect, Lagway flashed elite-level traits all year, and with a full offseason to master the playbook and refine the details, his ceiling looks sky-high. Don’t be shocked if he’s holding the Heisman when the dust settles in 2025.