Paul Finebaum. © Shanna Lockwood-Imagn Images

Paul Finebaum Says Struggling SEC Team Could Surprise If Star QB Stays Healthy

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jaron Spor | Last updated May 19, 2025 10:00 PM ET

The 2025 college football season is just a few months away, and teams are already preparing to improve their previous performances.

One team that aims to build on the momentum from the end of the 2024 season is the Florida Gators. Last season, the Gators finished 8-5, capping off the year with four consecutive victories. This marked their first winning season since 2020.

A big factor in the Gators' resurgence was the performance of freshman quarterback DJ Lagway. The former five-star recruit stepped into a starting role during the season after the starting quarterback, Graham Mertz, was sidelined by an injury. Lagway ended the year with impressive stats, throwing for 1,915 yards, 12 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

Lagway has been dealing with injuries during the offseason. Head coach Billy Napier has indicated that Lagway is facing both a shoulder injury and a lower-body injury. According to a report from USA TODAY, Lagway's shoulder injury may ultimately require surgery. There is hope that a period of rest, potentially up to six months without throwing, will help strengthen his shoulder and enable him to play during the 2025 season. However, recent updates indicate that Lagway has started throwing again this offseason.

On "The Paul Finebaum Show," SEC Network analyst Paul Finebaum mentioned that Florida could have a successful season if Lagway remains healthy.

"Florida does have DJ Lagway," Finebaum said. "Let's hope he's healthy because if he is healthy, I think Florida will have a pretty amazing comeback this year from what was expected."

The Gators enter this season with high expectations. They are ranked No. 17 in the country according to ESPN's SP+ rankings, which are derived from three main factors: returning production, recent recruiting and recent history.

Florida boasts a significant amount of returning production from last season, with 66% of its roster back, ranking it No. 18 in the nation. Additionally, it has secured the No. 10-ranked recruiting class this offseason.

The Gators will kick off the season against the Long Island Sharks on Aug. 30.

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

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