Florida Gators have unlocked major aspect of DJ Lagway's game that Billy Napier refused to tap into, and it nearly resulted in a win vs. Ole Miss

The one thing that we haven't gotten to see much of this season has been Lagway running the football. Over the past couple of weeks, the Gators have finally tried to use his rushing ability, and it's worked.

"I think anytime you have a quarterback that has the ability to run, it puts the defense in a situation now they’ve got to defend it," said interim head coach Billy Gonzales. "Obviously, we knew Trinidad [Chambliss] was a really good runner, and talked about being able to contain him. He had a net of 10 yards, so the defense did a really good job of containing him, but it adds a different dimension to the offense when you have a quarterback that can run the ball as well.”

That element was important in helping to elevate the Gators on Saturday night in Oxford. He was sacked just one time among his eight rushes for 34 yards and a touchdown, and that score showed exactly what the Gators have been missing from their offense. It's also something that Billy Napier never asked him to do, especially post-hamstring injury. Could some of that have been due to the worry about Lagway's long-term health? There's a good chance it was the case, but right now, he's elevating the offense in a way they desperately needed.

If Lane Kiffin eventually comes to Gainesville, Lagway would fit perfectly in what his offense is, as he has more talent than Chambliss does. Imagine what he can do with an offensive guru.

This story was originally reported by A to Z Sports on Nov 16, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.