No. 5 Texas A&M shouldn't overlook DJ Lagway, Florida

The Florida Gators have to feel like they have the talent to beat any team in college football. Whether or not they can back that talent up with actual play on the field is anybody's guess.

The results would suggest that unless they're on a heater, the Gators are more than beatable. Florida is 2-3, but the Gators are coming off a big win over previously No. 9-ranked Texas.

That was a game in "The Swamp," and Texas clearly has some issues that go beyond Arch Manning, but the Gators proved that they can pick up a big win. That's what makes Florida a dangerous opponent for No. 5 Texas A&M Aggies this weekend. For all intents and purposes, this is a game the Aggies should easily win on their home field.

This Gators team is sneaky, though. They're probably better than their record. Also, despite some struggles this season, Florida quarterback DJ Lagway is capable of stepping foot onto Kyle Field and ruining the Aggies' undefeated bid.

Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko knows it, but now he has to convince his team to take Lagway and the Gators seriously. He's someone who knows Lagway well, going back to time on the recruiting trail.

Mike Elko knows Texas A&M has a challenge ahead of it thanks to DJ Lagway

“I think DJ is obviously a kid that we’ve known and tried very hard to get him here,” Elko said earlier this week. “He’s an extremely talented quarterback. I think again, media narratives to me are so funny. I think he’s playing so much better, and he’s made a lot of growth and taken a lot of strides. He seems very comfortable back there, so yeah, I think he’s playing at a really high level. He’s a talented kid.”

Lagway has thrown for just 988 yards this season with seven touchdowns and seven interceptions. Those numbers are mediocre at best, but he is coming off a game against Texas that saw him throw for 298 yards and two touchdowns against one interception. He's also a former five-star recruit who was named a freshman All-American last season after throwing for 1,915 yards and 12 touchdowns (nine interceptions) in 12 games with seven starts. Lagway was 6-1 as a starter for Florida, and he was arguably the main reason for the Gators' turnaround in 2024.

He's proved in the past that he can be elite, and that talent just doesn't go away because of a few rough games. Ultimately, Lagway can lead the Gators to an upset win over the Aggies this weekend. 

Texas A&M is a 7.5-point home favorite heading into this one, according to ESPN BET, but anything can happen in college football under the bright lights.