IN LAGWAY WE TRUST

UF Head Coach Billy Napier has turned to freshman quarterback DJ Lagway, ahead of their next game.

With injured redshirt senior Graham Mertz still in concussion protocol, Lagway will get his first proper start as a Florida Gator. In the same game that injured Mertz, Gator fans received their first look at the five-star prospect, and previous Gatorade Player of the Year (2023) when he was rushed in as emergency relief, closing out a difficult day for the Gators with a touchdown drive, 20 yards rushing, and an interception.

Back in high school, Lagway threw for over 4,000 yards and 58 touchdowns, while rushing for over 900 yards.

DJ Lagway orchestrated the only successful drive of the game vs Miami. Time for the Freshman to take over. pic.twitter.com/4oJTmKoauB

— Florida Gators ???????? (@gatorsszn) September 2, 2024

Now, Napier is entrusting his most highly-touted freshman with the Gators first home game since being battered by the Hurricanes. This will be the first time a true freshman has led the Gators since Treon Harris. Samford is a familiar opponent for the Florida Gators, as the Bulldogs have been a traditional easy win on the schedule for years now. However, this year’s game can’t be taken for granted.

Billy Napier’s team is still staring down the barrel of the single hardest schedule in college football. After Saturday, Texas A&M will be the very next visitor to The Swamp, followed by a road trip to Mississippi State. Gus Malzahn and the UCF Knights arrive in Gainesville, Oct. 5th.

Clarifying the situation in the Gator’s quarterback room to the media on Wednesday:

“He is farther into the protocol and he’s doing better, but he’s hasn’t quite passed the final test. He’s doing better, but he’s not quite there. So, as of now, DJ will start the game and then Clay Millen, and Aidan Warner will be the backups.”

Florida Gators face Samford on Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville.