DJ Lagway’s Emergence Positions Florida Gators as Dark Horse in 2025 Power Rankings

The Florida Gators ended their 2024 season on a surprising high. Despite having a rather tough mid-season, the Billy Napier squad ended 8-5 overall and a steady 4-4 in the SEC. Not the greatest stat, but they did manage to close the season with four straight wins. They were 5-2 at home and 1-1 on neutral turf. With the momentum on their side and that winning streak in the rearview mirror, something felt different in Gainesville.

The difference was not just the effort; it was their quarterback. DJ Lagway played in 12 games and started seven at quarterback, going 6-1 in those starts. Now, as 2025 comes along, outlets are taking notice, and the power rankings have something to say about Lagway.

DJ Lagway Emerges as Cornerstone of Gators’ 2025 Revival in New Power Rankings

If the fandom is wondering why the Gators are suddenly being whispered about as a dark horse in 2025, it’s all thanks to DJ Lagway. College Sports Network (CSN) didn’t mince words in their latest rankings. As CSN puts it, “DJ Lagway’s second-year development will be key to any success.” And that might just be on point.

DJ Lagway with Jeremiah Smith and Ryan Williams at the Rose Bowl 🔥 pic.twitter.com/vflMK9hSMy

— Florida Gators 🐊🔥 (@gatorsszn) May 22, 2025

Florida has one of the toughest slates ahead, with seven preseason-ranked opponents, with five of them on the road. But CSN believes Lagway, backed by a strong returning cast, could be the X-factor. But why?

Well, DJ Lagway had 1,915 yards through the air on 115-of-192 passing. That’s nearly 60% completion, plus 12 touchdowns and a cool 154.9 passer rating. If that was not enough, he also had 12 passes of over 40 yards. So it comes as no surprise that he is being projected as the Gators’ engine.

Lagway also had an MVP performance in the Gasparilla Bowl, where he threw for 305 yards. And he also had a record-setting 456-yard explosion vs. Samford. Evidently, he has potential. CSN also went to talk about Florida’s returning offensive line.

The offensive line will be anchored by All-American center Jake Slaughter and a revamped receiving corps led by Eugene Wilson III and former UCLA star J. Michael Sturdivant. Now, this roster could help DJ Lagway have a great season. With the second-year chemistry building, and young players like five-star Dallas Wilson coming in with 195 yards and two TDs in the spring game, this offense could be scary.

CBS Sports agrees with CSN’s projections. Analyst Carter Bahns has Florida as one of eight teams primed to make a College Football Playoff debut in 2025. And Bahns, too, has credited this to Lagway’s breakout. As Bahns sees it, “It does not take much imagination to envision a breakthrough season.” And he’s right.

Florida’s late-season wins over ranked opponents weren’t flukes. It was DJ Lagway. His command, deep-ball accuracy, and confidence under pressure could make him one of college football’s breakout stars this season.

KEEP READING: DJ Lagway Receives Bold Praise From CFB Analyst

So while the schedule may be brutal, and the Swamp’s expectations sky-high, the Gators aren’t ducking the noise. Instead, they are leaning in because with DJ Lagway under center, Florida’s not just a dark horse. They’re a powder keg waiting to explode.

College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!