The 2025 college football season is right around the corner. With that, fans around the country are deciding who their picks will be for the Heisman Trophy and other awards. One name that has been mentioned by many is Florida Gators sophomore quarterback DJ Lagway.
The former five-star recruit had an impressive true freshman season in 2024, taking over as Florida's starter and leading the Gators to an 8-5 record.
Over the weekend, college football expert Josh Pate was asked which quarterback he would take to build a team from scratch. Pate gave four names, and Lagway was at the top of the list.
"I went with DJ Lagway," Pate said. "I think DJ Lagway, at his best, can be the best quarterback in the country. Now, I have, just like you, heard the injury concerns. I’ve seen the injury concerns. But I think when you blend raw talent and explosiveness and deep ball accuracy, when he’s at his best, he can be better than anyone in the country."
The injury concerns Pate alluded to have been a topic of discussion throughout the offseason and into fall camp. Lagway did not throw during the summer due to a shoulder injury and was seen walking in a boot in late July.
When Lagway is healthy, however, he has shown his incredible abilities. He went 6-0 in games he started and finished last season, while throwing for 1,915 yards and 12 touchdowns with nine interceptions.
“DJ Lagway led the SEC last year in completion percentage on balls thrown 20 or more yards downfield," Pate continued. "And I still think there’s a way for him to level up his passing game. 2025 should be his pop year. And I’m not just talking about at Florida. DJ Lagway would be my No. 1.”
Lagway's athleticism and arm strength, along with the weapons at his disposal, all point to a huge sophomore season for the Willis, Texas, native in 2025.
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