Major College Football QB’s Injury Could Impact Playoff Chances

There is considerable hype surrounding Lagway and the Gators, with On3's Ari Wasserman declaring Lagway the best quarterback in college football as the season approaches. However, there are significant concerns in Gainesville that could impact both his performance and the Gators' chances of making the College Football Playoff.

Napier has indicated that Lagway is dealing with a shoulder injury as well as a “lower body” injury. According to a report from USA TODAY, Lagway's shoulder injury may eventually require surgery, while the hope is that a period of offseason rest, potentially up to six months without throwing, will help strengthen the shoulder and allow him to play during the 2025 season. Surgery could then be performed after the season, positioning him to be ready for the start of the 2026 season. Lagway initially injured his shoulder in high school, and a regimen of rest and rehabilitation was the chosen treatment at that time.

After consulting with the Florida coaching staff and private physicians, the Lagway family has opted for rest and rehabilitation this offseason instead of immediate surgery, which would inhibit Lagway from playing most or all of the 2025 season. 

Napier has been vague in his interviews, only stating, “He’s doing great. He has been modified in terms of his ability to throw the ball.” Reports indicate that Lagway has not thrown at all this spring. 

Lagway's backups include walk-on Aidan Warner, who struggled in limited snaps last season, and Harrison Bailey, who is set to play for his fourth team this fall. The Gators are hopeful that this "holistic approach," as Napier describes it, will prove effective. Lagway’s injury could very well determine whether Florida becomes a sleeper team for the College Football Playoff or faces another losing season.