DJ Lagway injury update: Billy Napier reveals latest on Florida QB, status for Week 1

Florida quarterback DJ Lagway is battling back from a calf injury. On Monday, Gators head coach Billy Napier provided an update on Lagway’s recovery.

“Billy Napier said QB DJ Lagway on schedule, but still working through calf injury. Didn’t play in Saturday’s scrimmage. Praised Tramell Jones Jr., said he’s even gotten some first-team reps,” Edgar Thompson wrote on X.

Lagway missed the first two days of Florida’s fall camp due to his injury. While Lagway’s calf issue is relatively new, the sophomore QB is no stranger to injuries.

Lagway dealt with shoulder, hamstring and core injuries last season. When Lagway joined the Gators, he already had shoulder pain, which he has battled since high school.

Then, Lagway suffered a hamstring injury in Florida’s 34-20 loss to Georgia on Nov. 2. Before Lagway left the game, Florida led Georgia 10-3. The loss was Lagway’s only defeat as a starter last season. He finished the year 6-1 as the team’s QB1.

“We’ve been watching the guy work all summer,” Napier said of Lagway earlier this month. “Obviously, he had a little bit of a setback with the calf, but I think he’s on the right track.

“He threw in public the other day, and everybody’s all excited about that. The guy’s been working hard all summer, and certainly, hopefully, he’ll be able to do more and more as we go day-to-day.”

Lagway missed a significant portion of the spring and summer while he nursed his pre-existing injuries. Florida needs Lagway to get healthy as quickly as possible to ensure he’s prepared for the team’s season-opener.

As a true freshman last season, Lagway tallied 1,915 passing yards and 12 touchdowns, compared to nine interceptions. He also recorded 50 carries for 101 rushing yards. He didn’t find the end zone last season with his legs.

Expectations are through the roof for Lagway this year. College football expert Josh Pate named Lagway the best quarterback in the country.

“I think DJ Lagway, at his best, can be the best quarterback in the country,” Pate said on Sunday. “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.

“DJ Lagway led the SEC last year in completion percentage on balls thrown 20 or more yards downfield. 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.”