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Billy Napier provides update on DJ Lagway's health

On3 imageby: Keith Niebuhr07/16/25On3Keith
Florida-Gators-DJ-Lagway
Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) throws the ball against the Mississippi Rebels during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. (Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

ATLANTA— Florida Gators starting quarterback DJ Lagway is progressing well after not throwing in spring practice because of an injury and should be healthy when the season begins, UF coach Billy Napier said Wednesday during SEC Media Days.

“We throw the [quarterback] three times a week; he’s continued to do that,” Napier said. “Actually got a good session in this morning before we came [to Atlanta]. We feel confident in terms of him being ready to go [this season].”

Napier earlier noted, “Year 2 for him has got a chance to be really special.”

The Gators open the season Aug. 30 against Long Island University.

Lagway passed for 1,915 yards, 12 touchdowns and 9 interceptions last season as a true freshman as UF finished 8-5 behind four straight wins to close the year. He started seven games and was 6-1. The one loss came against Georgia, when he was injured and left the game for good in the second quarter. UF was leading 10-3. 

“Obviously, DJ — it’s well-documented the job he did last year,” Napier said. “I was most impressed with how he handled that, the type of teammate he was, the humility, the character and the guy was phenomenal on gameday. He’s just a great competitor. … Played through some injuries, thought he grew as a leader each week.”

DJ Lagway did not throw during spring practice

Lagway’s health has been a hot topic in recent months and for good reason. When spring camp opened in March, the team announced he was dealing with a lower-body/ shoulder issue. To avoid further complications, the coaching staff limited his participation.

Despite being sidelined from throwing, Lagway remained engaged throughout camp. He stayed active by mimicking quarterback drills from behind the play and continued participating in other developmental activities. He started the Orange & Blue Game on April 12, taking multiple snaps—though he only handed the ball off on each play.

Lagway began throwing again in late April. The following month, Lagway’s agent, Deiric Jackson, told Gators Online “His full velocity is back.” A week later, Gators coach Billy Napier said this: “He’s doing good, [throwing] three days a week, making really good progress.”

A source told Gators Online in late June while Lagway wasn’t quite 100 percent yet, he was close.

He had a season to remember in 2024 as a true freshman

Lagway was the No. 3 overall recruit and No. 1 quarterback nationally in the class of 2024. He began the 2024 season in Gainesville as the backup to starter Graham Mertz. Mertz missed a game early in the season with an injury, returned but then was lost for the year Oct. 12 against Tennessee thanks to a torn ACL.

Some other Lagway numbers of note:

—He tied Chris Leak for most wins as a UF true freshman quarterback.
—Lagway had 12 completions of 40-plus yards.
—He led all FBS true freshmen QBs with a 154.9 passer rating and a minimum of 150 attempts.

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