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Kirk Herbstreit on DJ Lagway struggles: 'As good as he is, quarterbacks have to have reps in practice'

Danby: Daniel Hager09/21/25DanielHagerOn3
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© Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Despite entering the season with extremely high expectations, Florida has experienced a disastrous start to its 2025 campaign. After rolling Long Island 55-0 in their season opener, the Gators have dropped back-to-back games to USF and No. 3 LSU in the past two weeks.

Disappointing play from quarterback DJ Lagway has been a major factor in their start to the season, as he has thrown six interceptions to just five touchdowns. Five of these six interceptions came in the Gators’ 20-10 loss to LSU last Saturday.

Lagway, who was limited in practice this offseason with a shoulder injury, just hasn’t seemed to be playing at the level he was expected to. ESPN‘s Kirk Herbstreit blamed the lack of practice time for Lagway’s struggles during Saturday night’s game against No. 4 Miami.

“DJ Lagway is a very, very talented guy who had a bunch of injuries and missed spring football and most of camp,” Herbstreit said. “This week was his fifth week of practice since January. As good as he is, quarterbacks have to have reps in practice. You have to get your timing down with your skill guys. When you see balls sail like that, it’s still him trying to find that rhythm.”

With 8:15 remaining in the second quarter (just after Herbstreit made those comments), Lagway had completed just 3/5 passes for 14 yards. Legendary head coach Nick Saban shared a similar sentiment on Friday’s edition of ‘The Pat McAfee Show‘, blaming his lack of practice on his struggles.

“Well, I think Florida has the best roster they’ve had in a long time,” Saban said. “I think the quarterback has struggled and I think he’s struggled because he hasn’t been able to practice. He hasn’t been able to get enough reps. You know, some guys can play without practice and some guys need reps to get it right. I don’t know this guy, but he hasn’t played well because he hasn’t been able to practice much.”

“But, they have a good roster and I think if the quarterback plays better they can be a team that can just about beat anybody. This defense is good and they’ve got a big offensive line and a decent back. I think they can be pretty good.”