Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway is coming off a freshman year in which he went 6-0 as a starter. Expectations from the Gator fans and the media are high, and analyst Josh Pate believes Lagway will post elite stats and lead Florida to a playoff berth. The catch? He’s got to stay healthy.
‘If we’re Healthy at Quarterback’ — Analyst Explains How Florida’s Playoff Hopes Hinge on DJ Lagway’s Health
On a recent episode of “Josh Pate’s College Football Show,” Pate broke down SEC teams coming out of spring ball with the 2025 season fast approaching.
Regarding Florida, Pate zeroed in on one key factor: Lagway’s health. He emphasized that if Lagway can stay on the field, paired with the Gators’ balanced attack on both sides, Florida has all the pieces to be a legitimate playoff contender.
“DJ Lagway’s health is, by 10 miles, the biggest focal point around Florida… They face seven of the tough 14 teams in the College Football Playoff odds… Florida has got all it takes to win those games — not to go undefeated, but, I mean, competing and winning any of those games,” Pate said.
“…But anyone who goes nine and three against that schedule should be a playoff team. But if we’re healthy at quarterback — that’s the big if.”
On Monday, April 28, Lagway resumed throwing after missing most of spring practice to rest a sore right shoulder. The 19-year-old QB shared a couple of short clips on social media of him throwing at CORTX Sports Performance.
Lagway has been managing shoulder discomfort since last season. He was limited in spring practice and then played just five snaps in the team’s annual spring game, all of which were handoffs.
The Gators are cautious with their young quarterback. They prioritize long-term health over short-term reps. Head coach Billy Napier noted that Lagway is also rehabbing a muscle issue but expects him to be fully cleared for summer workouts in June.
As a freshman, Lagway became a starter after Graham Mertz got a knee injury in October. He finished the season with 60% complete passes for 1,915 yards, tossing 12 touchdowns against nine interceptions.
Florida heads into the 2025 season under HC Napier for his fourth year in charge, coming off an 8-5 record in 2024.
KEEP READING: DJ Lagway’s Stats and SEC Dominance Lock Him in as Top 2025 QB1
Despite having one of the most demanding schedules in the 2024 season, the Gators won eight games.
The road ahead doesn’t get any easier — Florida is again staring down a brutal 2025 schedule. Analysts believe their road game against the LSU Tigers in Week 3 will determine the rest of the Gators’ campaign.
Here are the Gators’ 2025 opponents:
- Aug. 30: vs. LIU Sharks
- Sept. 6: vs. South Florida Bulls
- Sept. 13: at LSU Tigers
- Sept. 20: at Miami Hurricanes
- Oct. 4: vs. Texas Longhorns
- Oct. 11: at Texas A&M Aggies
- Oct. 18: vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs
- Nov. 1: vs. Georgia Bulldogs
- Nov. 8: at Kentucky Wildcats
- Nov. 15: at Ole Miss Rebels
- Nov. 22: vs. Tennessee Volunteers
- Nov. 29: vs. Florida State Seminoles
As a key player, QB Lagway’s talent and impact can’t be overstated. If he manages to stay injury-free and perform at a high level, it could be what the Gators need to turn tough matchups into statement wins.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and baseball!
