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DJ Lagway named to Davey O’Brien Award watch list

On3 imageby: Keith Niebuhr08/07/25On3Keith
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Nov 2, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) warms up before a game against the Georgia Bulldogs at EverBank Stadium. (Melina Myers-Imagn Images)

Florida Gators sophomore quarterback DJ Lagway continues to rack up preseason recognition. Thursday, he was named to the 2025 Davey O’Brien Award watch list. The award goes annually to the nation’s top returning college quarterback. Lagway is one 36 QBs on the watch list.

Per a UF release, “The Davey O’Brien Award watch list is narrowed down to a 35-player QB class on Oct. 28, 2025, by way of fan voting on social media. From this class a list of semifinalists is named on Nob. 12 with the finalists being announced two weeks later. Finally, on Dec. 11, 2025, the winner of the Davey O’Brien Award is selected during The Home Depot College Football Awards.”

Last season as a true freshman, Lagway flashed his potential by passing for 1,915 yards, 12 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. He played a pivotal role in helping Florida finish 8–5 [with four straight wins to close the season]. Lagway started seven games (most after veteran quarterback Graham Mertz was lost for the season with a torn ACL), going 6–1.

To cap the season, Lagway became the Gasparilla Bowl’s first 300-yard passer and for his efforts he was named the game’s MVP. 

Lagway did not throw during spring practice due to what UF coach Billy Napier called a “lower body/shoulder” injury. He was limited to begin preseason camp with a calf injury but now seems to be improving physically and he has looked fairly good during the media’s brief viewing windows since Saturday.

Gators Online has VIP intel on Lagway’s recovery HERE.

Earlier this week, ESPN’s Bill Connelly called Lagway one of the most important players in the country for the 2025 college football season. Texas QB Arch Manning came in at No. 1 on the list. Lagway checked in at No. 12 and Connelly noted, “Lagway needs to be healthy before he can really threaten to upend this season.” (You can read the full article HERE)

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