Marcel Reed had a brilliant season in 2024, formally building a great career as a quarterback. Like most breakout stars, his time came only after starting QB Connor Weigman got injured. In his first major season, Reed had 1,572 yards and 12 TDs, but he was also intercepted 5 times. But after that famous LSU game, things did not really stay that way for the rest of his season. Naturally, his performance invited comparison with some players. A particular one with a total yardage that trumps his overall seems to give Reed a run for his money.

Up until the LSU game, Texas A&M had 6 wins and one loss. Weigman did not play up to the mark that night, and Reed came in to save the day. He produced three back-to-back scoring drives that turned the game around for the Aggies. After that 38-23 win, A&M lost brutally to South Carolina. Then, a win came against New Mexico, which was followed by 3 consecutive losses. Reed struggled in these games, which can haunt him in the 2025 season as well.

With Reed making somewhat of a hit-and-miss during a time that needed him the most, That SEC Football Show hosts drew a comparison between him and DJ Lagway. That’s because both came in under similar conditions. Additionally, their collegiate careers share some similarities. Lagway’s high school career, however, totaled more than 10,000 yards (pass and rush combined). In college, Lagway had 1,915 yards, 12 TDs, and 9 INTs. Now, while individual stats are where Reed holds an upper hand, the late phase of the 2024 season is where both fared differently.

In an April 16 episode, Mike Bratton was responding to the question of why Lagway is hailed as a ‘breakout star,’ and Reed only gets a handful of claps. “It’s not how you start, Shane, it’s how you…” Bratton said, gesturing to Cousin Shane. “Finish!” he added. “A&M s— the bed at the tail end, and remember, this is when Marcel Reed took firm control of the job,” said Bratton Lagway. However, Lagway did the exact opposite, starting at around the same situation as Reed. He took over for Graham Mertz in the Kentucky game and won it. He lost to Georgia and sat out in the Texas game. Then, he won three consecutive games, and the bowl game to top it all off.

Despite coming from two similar situations, there’s a clear gap between Reed and Lagway. Reed might have a statistically better-looking career. But if that’s broken down season- and game-wise, that’s where the flaws show. Bratton said, “I think it’s all about the end of the season how hot it was for Florida and DJ and how cold it was for Texas A&M and Marcel Reed.” Lagway single-handedly turned it around for Florida when he took charge. Reed, on the other hand, did not see that success. Lagway also did It all while dealing with an injury.

Speaking of the injury, DJ Lagway’s spring practice and his future season had troubles looming over because of it. It also created fears that he would probably have a career defined by it. Now, it seems like they have finally begun to drift away.

DJ Lagway has a promising update!

The Gators just wrapped up their Blue and Orange game, signaling the end of spring practice. Throughout it, Lagway was available only in limited conditions. He missed out on the game but is making enough progress for Bully Napier to give an exciting update. Lagway is slowly but surely coming out of that injury. Billy Napier said, “He’s getting closer and closer to getting ready to play.” His workload has been altered in order to not strain an already injured body any further. This Wednesday was also his third consecutive practice appearance, so Lagway fans can rest easy for now.

Fellow teammate Trikweze Bridges noted that the DJ Lagway we wanted is finally here.“Today he threw one of those balls where you’re like, ‘Oh, yeah, He’s back,’” Bridges said. “It was nice.” Obviously, our situation is a little bit different, but we’re going to do what we need to do to manage DJ in his injury situation,” ESPN wrote.

DJ Lagway has all that hype around him for all the right reasons. He has the numbers; he has the skills. He also happens to have better execution, something that is clearly reflected towards the end of the season. That’s why Lagway is the true star that everyone wants to see.