EA Sports College Football 25 was released to those who pre-ordered non-standard versions of the game, allowing a sneak peek at the game’s inner workings. We compiled a list of the highest-rated true freshmen at the franchise’s first launch since 2013, but most players are concerned with one position: quarterback. So, who is the highest-rated true freshman QB in the game? None other than Florida’s DJ Lagway at 80 overall.
Florida QB DJ Lagway Lands Leads True Freshman QBs in College Football 25 Launch
Only five true freshmen earned a rating over 80: Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith (84), Georgia CB Ellis Robinson IV (83), Alabama WR Ryan Williams (81), Auburn WR Cam Coleman (81), Clemson LB Sammy Brown (81).
Among QBs, Lagway tied for the lead with Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola, who is expected to be the only true freshman QB to start the season for his team. Just three others earned ratings above 75: Ohio State’s Julian Sayin (79), Texas’ Trey Owens (78), and Florida State’s (Luke Kromenhoek).
MORE: 2024 Florida Gators Depth Chart
Lagway was listed at 225 pounds as a recruit but has already reached 241 pounds at 6’3″ with Florida. According to 247Sports’ Composite rankings, he was the No. 7 recruit in the nation and the No. 2 QB, behind only Sayin.
The Willis, Texas, native’s first scholarship actually wasn’t for football, as Houston offered him for baseball during his freshman year. Lagway saw time on the diamond and hardwood in high school, averaging 4.9 PPG, 6.2 RPG, and 1.6 BPG as a freshman.
Nevertheless, his home was on the gridiron. Lagway began his high school career as a safety, recording 18 tackles on varsity in Year 1. He took over the starting QB role as a sophomore, and, as they say, the rest was history.
Lagway capped off his time at Willis with Gatorade National Player of the Year honors and an invite to the Under Armour All-America Game after completing 72.1% of his passes for 4,605 yards, 59 touchdowns (a Texas Class 6A single-season record), and just eight INTs while adding 953 yards and 16 scores on 100 carries.
KEEP READING: Every Entrance for all 134 Programs in the Game
Of the Gators’ 20 true freshmen, eight others earned initial ratings:
- LJ McCray, DE: 79
- Jason Zandamela, C: 77
- Myles Graham, LB: 77
- Jaden Baugh, RB: 76
- KD Daniels, RB: 74
- Fletcher Westphal, OT: 74
- Jameer Grimsley, CB: 73
- Gregory Smith III, S: 73
College Football Network has you covered with the latest news and analysis, rankings, transfer portal information, top 10 returning players, the 2024 college football season schedule, and much more!