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Florida Posts Three-Word Reaction to Exciting DJ Lagway News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Jul 28, 2025 4:39 PM ET

It's been a long time since the Florida Gators came out on top in the SEC, last doing it in 2008, and it's seen as a longshot for that drought to end in 2025 as ESPN BET ties them for the seventh-best odds (+2200) to come out on top.

However, that doesn't mean that fans have nothing to look forward to, as a lot of hype is starting to surround sophomore quarterback DJ Lagway after a solid 2024 season as a true freshman.

As the offseason continues to chug along, that only grows, and on Monday, it was announced that he is one of 80 players named to the Maxwell Award watchlist, which is given to the "most outstanding" player in college football.

That quickly caught the attention of Florida, who in an X post celebrated the news by writing "Among the best."

Among the best. @DerekLagway has been named to the @MaxwellFootball Award Preseason Watch List

https://t.co/zYZqzslcuJ #GoGators pic.twitter.com/dEwdIewA8K
— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) July 28, 2025

Seeing Lagway make that list doesn't come as a major surprise, because last season, he completed 115-of-192 passes for 1,915 yards, 12 touchdowns, nine interceptions and a 154.9 passing efficiency rating.

He wound up picking up several exciting honors, including being a Football Writers Association of America and ESPN Freshman All-American, as well as being the Gasparilla Bowl MVP in Florida's win over the Tulane Green Wave.

The Maxwell Award isn't the only thing Lagway may be competing for this season, either, as ESPN placed him at No. 5 when naming 10 early Heisman Trophy contenders.

When it comes to living up to expectations early on, he's certainly doing a great job because coming out of high school in 2024, Rivals Industry Rankings placed him as a five-star recruit and the No. 1 quarterback in the nation.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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