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Florida Gators have major concerns answered with DJ Lagway's excellent performance and a surprise QB2

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Tyler Forness | Last updated Aug 31, 2025 8:56 AM ET

The biggest questions for the Florida Gators going into the season opener were at the quarterback position, with DJ Lagway and the QB2 job. Those concerns were eased rather quickly over the course of the game in multiple ways.

It didn't take long for the Gators to get on the scoreboard against the Long Island Sharks. They got the win easily by a score of 55-0. They scored a defensive touchdown on the third play of the game, and it was off to the races.

DJ Lagway and Tramell Jones Jr. ease concerns at quarterback

It's weird to talk about the Gators needing to ease concerns when it comes to the quarterback position, but that's exactly what we got on Saturday night. The biggest reason was the health of Lagway. After not throwing in spring practice due to shoulder and hernia injuries, and also nursing a calf injury during fall camp, we didn't know Lagway would start until this week.

Things were a little rusty when it came to throwing the football for Lagway initially, but that cleaned up over the course of the game, finishing 15-18 for 120 yards and three touchdowns. The biggest thing to calm the nerves of Gators fans? His movement skills. Lagway was moving really well in the pocket, and escaped without issue. He felt 100% when you watched him.

Toe tap ⏩️ touchdown. @DerekLagway ⏩️ @ewil_iii pic.twitter.com/E7WV3vIkaB
— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) August 31, 2025

The other element that came up huge was the emergence of true freshman Tramell Jones Jr. He earned the QB2 job and played the entire second half. It was somewhat of a surprise that Jones came in, as it was head coach Billy Napier telling the world that Jones won the QB2 job over veterans Harrison Bailey and Aidan Warner.

It didn't take Jones too long to show out, and it's especially important that the Gators can rely on him if Lagway ends up getting injured. He thrived playing with the second and third teamers, completing 12-18 for 131 yards and two touchdowns. Now, it's important to add the context that his performance came against FCS Long Island, but it's also his first-ever collegiate game. The concerns balance out the excitement relatively evenly.

The production from Jones wasn't fake either, as he was finding holes in the zones, throwing with some anticipation, and thriving under pressure. If Lagway gets hurt, the Gators look to be in good hands with Jones.

It's a big step forward for the Gators, as they get ready for the South Florida Bulls next week.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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