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Steve Spurrier reflects on using two quarterbacks as Florida fans question DJ Lagway

79417-removebg-preview (1)by: Corey Bender10 hours agoCorey_Bender
DJ-Lagway-Florida-Gators
Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) throws the ball while Florida Gators quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. (17) watches during fall football practice at Heavener Football Complex at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]

Last Saturday, Florida dropped to 3-5 after a 24-20 loss to Georgia in the first game since parting ways with Billy Napier. DJ Lagway finished with 166 passing yards and a touchdown for a Gators offense that continues to struggle.

Lagway, a former 5-star prospect and No. 1-ranked quarterback, has thrown 10 touchdowns and nine interceptions through eight games. His 1,679 passing yards rank 13th in the SEC, far below what was expected from a heavily recruited sophomore starter.

That has led to Florida fans calling for freshman Tramell Jones to see more playing time. Jones, a former 4-star recruit from the 2025 class, saw action only in the season opener against Long Island, completing 12-of-18 passes for 131 yards and two touchdowns. He hasn’t played since.

When asked about whether the Gators might consider a quarterback change, former Florida coach Steve Spurrier offered his perspective and pointed to his own experience.

“I said, ‘I don’t know.’ You have to ask the coaches that,” Spurrier said on the Another Dooley Noted Podcast. “All I know is, in 2000 when we won our last SEC championship, Jesse Palmer would come in when Rex (Grossman) was going bad and win the game for us.

“We did it at Georgia, as a matter of fact, one of those years. Playing two quarterbacks ain’t no big deal to me, but to some, most people, they’re not going to change their quarterback.”

In 2000, Grossman finished the season with 1,866 passing yards, 21 touchdowns and seven interceptions, while Palmer added 1,653 yards and 11 touchdowns with four interceptions. Together, they totaled just over 3,500 passing yards.

Spurrier said that approach isn’t common today though, as most coaches stick with their starter. Lagway remains as the player in that role, but Jones is ready if the staff decides to use a dual-quarterback system.

DJ Lagway’s father addressed social media criticism

Lagway also faced criticism online after a brief video showed him interacting with Georgia players after the loss. In the clip, Lagway can be seen smiling, hugging a few opponents, and taking a quick photo with a Georgia staffer.

Not longer after, Gators fans poured in with reaction. That led to Lagway’s father responding on social media to defend his son’s actions.

Florida Gators Football Coaching Hot Board: 2.0

“Please make sure you understand the situation before speaking on it,” said Lagway’s father. “Those kids have been playing with and against each other since little league and all through high school; they’re like family to us. I promise you, DJ Lagway wants to win more than anybody you know. #GoGators #Gatornation”

Up next for the Florida Gators is Kentucky, a team they beat last season. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on the SEC Network.

Talk about it with our premium members in the Swamp Talk message board, here.

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