Florida football quarterback DJ Lagway hasn’t even played a full season as the starter, but he’s already become one of the most talked-about players in the country.
ESPN’s preseason intel on college football’s top quarterbacks featured insight from coaches and insiders across the sport—and Lagway’s name came up right alongside the Texas Longhorns‘ Arch Manning, Clemson Tigers‘ Cade Klubnik, LSU Tigers‘ Garrett Nussmeier and Penn State’s Drew Allar.
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The intel paints Lagway as one of the most naturally gifted quarterbacks in the SEC. Opposing coaches raved about his arm strength, noting that he can throw “off the weirdest platforms” and still launch the ball 60 yards downfield.
The reports weren’t just about highlight throws. SEC coaches pointed out Lagway’s ability to extend plays and make off-platform passes that few others can.
Mississippi State head coach Jeff Lebby, who faced Lagway in 2024, called him a “great talent” with the tools to run an offense at an elite level.
Still, the intel acknowledged the injury concerns that slowed Lagway through spring and fall camp. After undergoing shoulder surgery and later dealing with a calf strain, his reps have been limited. Yet, coaches stressed that when he’s on the field, his upside is “sky high”.
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Here is everything ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg said about the intel surrounding the Florida Gators‘ starting quarterback.
What ESPN said about Lagway
“Lagway played more than Manning did in 2024, but the two quarterbacks are often paired because of their relative youth and potential. Mississippi State coach Jeff Lebby, who saw both players in 2024 and will face them in consecutive weeks this fall, said of the tandem, ‘Those are both guys that have got a chance to be elite players, and probably guys that are going to have great control of the offense and their systems.’
“After taking over for the injured Graham Mertz, Lagway went 6-1 as Florida’s starter and helped the team to signature wins against Ole Miss and LSU, while capping the season by winning Gator Bowl MVP honors against Tulane. Lagway’s overall arm strength and the variety of throws he makes, especially as a relatively inexperienced quarterback, jump out to coaches.
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“‘He’ll throw off the weirdest platforms,’ an SEC coach said. ‘His feet won’t be in the ground, and the guy still throws at 60 yards. Like, what the f—? It shouldn’t be humanly possible.’
“The 6-foot-3, 247-pound Lagway enters the season with some injury concerns, as lingering shoulder issues limited him during the spring, and he sustained a calf injury shortly before training camp.
“‘With DJ, it’s being able to keep things alive, arm strength, arm angles, all the off-platform things that he can do,’ Lebby said. ‘DJ’s just a great talent.'”
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: What intel from coaches says about Florida football QB DJ Lagway
