Tag: DJ Lagway

Where Florida football lands in final CBS Sports 134 rankings

Peaking at No. 33 and falling as low as No. 81 throughout the 2024 season, here’s where the Florida Gators finish on the CBS Sports re-rank.

Florida finished the 2024 college football season ranked No. 35 by CBS Sports, dropping two spots in the final update released on Thursday.

CBS Sports keeps a full 134-team ranking going throughout the season, in which the Gators started at No. 41, dipped as low as No. 81 following a Week 3 loss to Texas A&M and worked all the way back to No. 33 after conference championship week.

Finishing six spots ahead of its preseason placement seemed like an impossibility for Florida after a brutal first month, but things turned around with [autotag]DJ Lagway[/autotag] under center. Now the optimism levels in Gainesville are high enough for CBS Sports to rank the Gators No. 18 in its way-too-early top 25.

Florida fell two places despite winning the Gasparilla Bowl, 33-8, against Tulane, but it was a depleted Green Wave team and other bowl outcomes warranted more movement.

CBS Sports re-rank top 10

The Ohio State Buckeyes finished on top of the college football world as national champions and the Notre Dame Irish are the obvious No. 2 as runner-ups. The Oregon Ducks end the year at No. 3 ahead of the two Final Four finishers, Texas and Penn State, at Nos. 4 and 5, respectively.

The Georgia Bulldogs, Arizona State Sun Devils, Indiana Hoosiers, Tennessee Volunteers and SMU Mustangs round out the top 10, in that order.

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DJ Lagway named to FWAA Freshman All America Team

The Football Writers Association of America has DJ Lagway as the top freshman quarterback of 2024 and gives the Florida signal caller an All-American nod.

Florida quarterback [autotag]DJ Lagway[/autotag] is a Freshman All-American, according to the Football Writers Association of America’s annual team release for the 2024 season.

Lagway joins fellow SEC quarterback LaNorris Sellers out of South Carolina as one of two quarterbacks on the team. Sellers is one of five finalists for the FWAA Offensive Freshman Player of the Year after leading the Gamecocks to a 9-3 regular-season record. Lagway wasn’t the full-time starter for Florida until Graham Mertz went down with an ACL tear, whereas Sellers spent a redshirt year behind Spencer Rattler last year in Columbia.

“The SEC owns both quarterbacks in Sellers and Florida’s DJ Lagway,” reads the FWAA release. “Sellers was named to the third-team All-SEC squad and was recognized as the SEC Freshman of the Year by the league’s coaches. He completed 64.9 percent of his passes (172-for-265) for 2,274 yards and 17 touchdowns and added 155 carries for 655 yards and seven scores. Lagway was the fourth Gators true freshman quarterback to start a bowl game and improved to 6-1 as a starter in Florida’s 33-8 win over Tulane. He threw for 300-plus yards twice while leading Florida to a four-game win streak to end the season.”

Lagway follows in the footsteps of receiver Eugene Wilson III and tight end Arlis Boardingham — now in the transfer portal — who made the team a year ago. Before Billy Napier brought in back-to-back classes with FWAA Freshman All-Americans, Florida had gone since 2016 without one. Lagway is the only Florida quarterback to earn the honor other than Chris Leak in 2003.

The Football Writers Association of America consists of journalists, broadcasters, publicists, photographers, and key executives in all areas of college football. The FWAA governs media access and gameday operations and presents awards and honors, including an annual All-America team.

2024 FWAA Freshman All-American Team

OFFENSE (14)
QB DJ Lagway, Florida (6-3, 239, Fr., Willis, Texas)
QB LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina (6-3, 242, R-Fr., Florence, S.C.)
RB Ahmad Hardy, ULM (5-10, 205, Fr., Monticello, Miss.)
RB Bryson Washington, Baylor (6-0, 203, R-Fr., Franklin, Texas)
WR Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State (6-3, 215, Fr., Miami Gardens, Fla.)
WR Bryant Wesco Jr., Clemson (6-2, 180, Fr., Midlothian, Texas)
WR Ryan Williams, Alabama (6-0, 175, Fr., Mobile, Ala.)
TE Mason Williams, Ohio (6-5, 257, R-Fr., Mogadore, Ohio)
OL Aidan Banfield, North Carolina (6-3, 300, Fr., Buford, Ga.)
OL Tyler Mercer, North Texas (6-4, 290, Fr., Prosper, Texas)
OL Elijah Paige, USC (6-7, 320, R-Fr., Phoenix, Ariz.)
OL Tyson Ruffins, Nevada (6-2, 291, R-Fr., Carson, Calif.)
OL Jordan Seaton, Colorado (6-5, 285, Fr., Washington, D.C.)
OL Josiah Thompson, South Carolina (6-7, 300, Fr., Dillon, S.C.)

DEFENSE (13)
DL Jamarioius Brown, Ole Miss (6-1, 315, R-Fr., Moss Point, Miss.)
DL Jayden Jackson, Oklahoma (6-2, 312, Fr., Indianapolis, Ind.)
DL Colin Simmons, Texas (6-3, 245, Fr., Duncanville, Texas)
DL Dylan Stewart, South Carolina (6-6, 248, Fr., Washington, D.C.)
LB Sammy Brown, Clemson (6-2, 235, Fr., Commerce, Ga.)
LB Isaiah Chisom, Oregon State (6-0, 218, R-Fr., Santa Clarita, Calif.)
LB Josiah Trotter, West Virginia (6-2, 242, R-Fr., Philadelphia, Pa.)
CB OJ Frederique Jr., Miami (6-0, 180, Fr., Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)
CB Ashton Hampton, Clemson (6-2, 200, Fr., Tallahassee, Fla.)
CB Leonard Moore, Notre Dame (6-2, 191, Fr., Round Rock, Texas)
S KJ Bolden, Georgia (6-0, 185, Fr., Buford, Ga.)
S Koi Perich, Minnesota (6-1, 200, Fr., Esko, Minn.)
S Zechariah Poyser, Jax State (6-2, 190, R-Fr., Wildwood, Fla.)

SPECIALISTS (5)
K Nolan Hauser, Clemson (6-1, 190, Fr., Cornelius, N.C.)
P Rhys Dakin, Iowa (6-0, 222, Fr., Melbourne, Australia)
KR Samuel Singleton Jr., Florida State (5-11, 195, R-Fr., Charleston, S.C.)
PR Kam Shanks, UAB (5-8, 180, R-Fr., Prattville, Ala.)
AP Isaac Brown, Louisville (5-9, 190, Fr., Homestead, Fla.)

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Looking at Florida football’s quarterback situation in 2025

ESPN takes a look at every starting quarterback situation among Power Four schools, including Florida and DJ Lagway.

The start of the 2025 college football season is still several months away but the spring workout season is just around the corner. With that in mind, the staff at ESPN took a stab at predicting the starting quarterbacks for every Power 4, along with the overall status of each respective school’s passing room.

Unsurprisingly for the Florida Gators, ESPN foresees true freshman phenom [autotag]DJ Lagway[/autotag] to take the reins to start the season in his sophomore campaign.

“Lagway, ESPN’s No. 8 recruit in the 2024 class, became Florida’s starter after Graham Mertz’s ACL injury and helped lead a late-season renaissance for coach Billy Napier,” it begins.

“The 6-3, 239-pound Lagway displayed big-play passing ability, averaging 16.7 yards per completion, and improved his accuracy in wins against Ole Miss, Florida State and Tulane to close the season. Lagway’s game needs some refinement, though, and Napier will have the chance to maximize the young quarterback’s ability in 2025.”

While Lagway is unquestionably the starter next fall, the quarterback corps behind him will be an important part of the equation as well, given that injuries are part of the gridiron gruel.

“The Gators looked for insurance behind Lagway and seemingly got some in Charlotte transfer Deshawn Purdie, a part-time starter who had 1,802 pass yards with 10 touchdowns and six interceptions last fall,” it mentions. “But Purdie asked for and was granted his release, opening up a need for a veteran backup. The Gators also signed four-star QB recruit Tramell Jones Jr. in December.”

Napier and Co. also have walk-on Aidan Warner as well as former Colorado State transfer Clay Millen in the QB room as depth options, with the former getting playing time last fall while both Mertz and Lagway were sidelined.

However, if Florida is going to make a run for a College Football Playoff spot, they will need someone a little better just in case.

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DJ Lagway among SEC QBs ‘running it back’ for promising 2025 season

The Athletic categorizes DJ Lagway among other SEC quarterbacks in its “running it back” tier for 2025.

The Southeastern Confernece is celebrated for its intense competition and high-profile athletes, and there’s no question that Florida football quarterback DJ Lagway is right where he belongs.

Despite being a freshman and experiencing the expected growing pains, Lagway demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability.

During the 2024 season, Lagway started seven games putting up a 6-1 record. He threw for 1,915 yards and completed 115 of 192 pass attempts (59.9%). He has 12 passing touchdowns and nine interceptions.

Lagway’s unexpected early start and subsequent success have positioned him as a central figure in the future of Florida football.

Seth Emerson, a sports writer for The Athletic, categorized every SEC quarterback in 2025. Emerson placed Lagway, with a handful of other quarterbacks, in the “running it back” group.

This is what Emerson wrote about Lagway.

What The Athletic said about Lagway

“DJ Lagway got an earlier-than-expected start after (Graham) Mertz’s injury and got better as the season went on. There were some freshman mistakes, as in nine interceptions, but he finished second in the SEC in yards per attempt (10.0) and is the main reason there’s finally some optimism back in Gainesville.”

Every SEC quarterback’s QB category

Running it back

  • LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina Gamecocks)
  • DJ Lagway (Florida Gators)
  • Nico Iamaleava (Tennessee Volunteers)
  • Diego Pavia (Vanderbilt Commodores)
  • Taylen Green (Arkansas Razorbacks)
  • Garrett Nussmeier (LSU Tigers)
  • Marcel Reed (Texas A&M Aggies)

Promoting from within

Portaling

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Five key factors in Florida football’s Gasparilla Bowl win over Tulane

Taking a look at the factors that helped the Gators secure a near-shutout victory against Tulane in the Gasparilla Bowl.

Florida football finished their 2024 season on a high note, as they defeated the Tulane Green Wave, 33-8, in the Gasparilla Bowl.

Although the Gators won, it looked as if they were leaning more on the side of trying not to lose. It was sloppy, ugly and unlike the well-executed Florida team that was displayed in the final stretch of the regular season.

It wasn’t necessarily pretty for head coach Billy Napier and his Florida football squad, but they found a way to get the job done. DJ Lagway did not look like himself in the first half, but the defense and special teams delivered when the Gators needed them.

The Gators head into the new year with their heads held high and a ton of momentum on their side.

Here are five key factors that contributed to Florida football’s win over Tulane.

Defense wins championships?

The Gators’ defense held Tulane to 194 total yards including just 23 in the second quarter. When compared to the first few games to now, this defense looks like a completely different unit.

Not only did Florida limit Tulane to minimal yardage, but they were able to come up with multiple interceptions.

On Tulane’s first play, Florida defensive back Trikweze Bridges came up with his second interception of the season. On Tulane’s second offensive drive in the third quarter, Green Wave quarterback Ty Thompson’s pass was tipped up in the air and intercepted by defensive back Alfonzo Allen Jr. 

In the fourth quarter, the Gators were able to come up with another interception. Inside linebacker Myles Graham came up with Florida’s third interception of the game.

Despite the Florida offense not playing their greatest today, their defense came through and allowed just eight points.

Shaky first half doesn’t affect DJ Lagway

Even though it wasn’t Lagway’s best performance this year, he did enough to secure the win for Florida.

Lagway did not look like himself in the first half, missing on throws and struggling to connect with his receivers on the deep balls. That’s something that is typically the strong part of his game.

Lagway threw two interceptions in the first half, one of them coming in the end zone that took away a Gators touchdown opportunity. But in the second half, he played much better and did a good job in limiting the turnovers.

The freshman finished the game throwing for 305 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions. His 305 passing yards set a new Gasparilla Bowl single-game record.

Nonetheless, Lagway was able to do enough for the Gators to come out with the win. He was also named the Gasparilla Bowl MVP.

Trey Smack kept smacking the field goals

Florida kicker Trey Smack was automatic today, going 4-for-4 on field goals including a long of 44 yards.

With his four field goals, the junior set a single-game Gasparilla Bowl record.

Smack has continued to be “Mr. Reliable” for Florida this year, drilling 18 out of his 21 (85.7%) field goal attempts. Smack’s longest field goal of the year came against the LSU Tigers when he nailed a 55-yarder.

Dominating time of possession

The Gators had possession for 38:57 of the game compared to Tulane’s possession of 21:03. Part of that was due to the Florida defense forcing quick offensive possessions for Tulane. Another part was due to the Gators taking their time on offense and running as much clock as they can.

Because Florida dominated the time of possession, they were able to maintain control of the game and keep everything steady. Also, it allowed the defense to stay rested and come out physically and energetic every time they stepped out onto the field.

Gator Nation showed out

Florida was able to ride the wave with Gator Nation on their back throughout this game. Florida fans swarmed Raymond James Stadium and it felt like a game in the Swamp.

Tulane did have a good number of fans but they were clearly outnumbered by those of Florida.

Whether it was making noise when the Gators were on defense or cheering on the Orange and Blue when they scored a touchdown, Florida fans played a contributing role in the Gators’ victory against Tulane.

There’s a reason Florida has one of the best fan bases in the country and they put it on full display in this Gators “home” game.

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Three takeaways from Florida’s Gasparilla Bowl win over Tulane

Florida capped off the 2024 season with its first bowl win since 2019, and a four-game streak to close out the year has fans looking forward to 2025.

Despite some early struggles, Florida won the Gasparilla Bowl game, 33-8, against Tulane Friday night.

The win is significant for many reasons. It’s the first bowl win for the Gators under Billy Napier and also the culmination of one of the most up-and-down seasons in Florida football history.

Most fans and pundits wouldn’t believe that Florida could nearly shut out a 9-4 team that made it to a conference championship if asked a month into the season, but Napier managed to turn the program around following the first bye week of the year and it’s been nothing but improvements — save for the Texas game — ever since.

[autotag]DJ Lagway[/autotag], who set a Gasparilla Bowl record with 305 passing yards, has Florida on the rise, but the defense has improved the most over the past three months. Finishing things off with a goose egg is a poetic way to end the year.

Defense puts on a clinic

Even though Florida played without a good chunk of its starting lineup — due to both transfers and injuries — the defense played with a first-string effort. They limited Tulane to 194 total yards and forced three interceptions in perhaps the most dominant performance of the season.

From big Desmond Watson picking up the Green Wave’s running back for a stop to reserve Alonzo Allen Jr. securing a pick, Ron Roberts proved that he’s the miracle worker on the defensive side of the ball. Florida will be just fine without Austin Armstrong next year.

Tulane averaged 2.6 yards per carry and had under 100 yards passing until a garbage time touchdown drive in the game’s waning minutes; against Florida’s walk-on/reserve unit at that.

A little rust from DJ in the first quarter, but vintage Lagway the rest of the way

Lagway didn’t have his best stuff at the beginning of this one. He threw a pair of first-half interceptions but still managed 190 yards on 14-of-22 passing. The second half was far more fruitful from a scoring standpoint, with Florida going field goal, touchdown, field goal on its first three drives. The Gators punted just once, ending the game with a pair of touchdown drives — the second of which was scored by walk-on running back Anthony Rubio.

Chimere Dike went out with a bang, catching six passes for 96 yards, and several young players performed well behind him. Tight end Tony Livingston hauled in four for 58 yards and a touchdown, and redshirt freshman Aidan Mizell also caught four passes for 50 yards. Both figure to be crucial pieces of Florida’s offense next season.

The future is bright in Gainesville under center, and there are plenty of elite receivers coming in to replenish the losses of Elijhah Badger and Dike.

It’s finally great to be a Florida Gator again

It’s been a long time since Florida Gators fans could proudly boast that the team is back, but a four-game win streak has everyone in college football excited about the program heading into 2025. Billy Napier managed to reel in a top-10 recruiting class, and the coaching staff has proven that it’s capable of getting results without starters.

The Gators haven’t had a winning season since 2020, but that’s all in the past now. For those who hung in there “through all kinds of weather,” this has to feel good.

That’s a wrap for the 2024 Florida football season. Until next year, Gators fans!

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USA TODAY Sports sees DJ Lagway in mix for 2025 Heisman Trophy

Just days after this season’s Heisman Trophy announcement the media is already looking ahead to next year. DJ Lagway’s name is consistently mentioned.

The Heisman Trophy is the most coveted award in college football, annually given to the top player in the sport. This past season saw Colorado Buffaloes two-way star Travis Hunter earn the honor after a phenomenal 2024 campaign.

But enough about him. What is in store next fall for the prestigious prize?

The sports media wasted no time looking ahead to 2025 for the next Heisman Trophy contender. Among them was USA TODAY Sports writer Austin Curtright, who penned his favorites for the award earlier this week.

Included among the 11 players listed was Florida Gators quarterback [autotag]DJ Lagway[/autotag], who is in the midst of a stellar true freshman campaign that has been anything but smooth sailing. However, with just a bowl game remaining, he did plenty to build his cred.

“Florida freshman quarterback DJ Lagway showed flashes of brilliance for the Gators after taking over the starting job after Graham Mertz suffered a season-ending injury,” Curtright begins.

“Lagway’s play was crucial for the Gators reaching seven wins, leading them to ranked victories against LSU and Mississippi in back-to-back weeks,” he continues.

“His stats have been solid entering Florida’s bowl game. He has completed 93 of 157 passes for 1,610 yards with 11 touchdowns to seven interceptions and will hope to build on a season of flashes as a sophomore.”

2025 Heisman Trophy contenders

Along with Lagway, quarterbacks Cade Klubnik (Clemson Tigers), Nico Iamaleava (Tennessee Volunteers), Arch Manning (Texas Longhorns), Garrett Nussmeier (LSU Tigers), Drew Allar (Penn State Nittany Lions), John Mateer (Washington State Cougars) and LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina Gamecocks) also made the cut.

Running back Jeremiyah Love (Notre Dame Fighting Irish) was also included along with wide receivers Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State Buckeyes) and Ryan Williams (Alabama Crimson Tide).

Other Heisman predictions for Lagway

CBS Sports writer Blake Brockermeyer also included Lagway in his list of 14 players who have a strong possibility of winning the 2025 Heisman Trophy.

“Lagway has been as advertised as the top-ranked QB in the 2024 class and just earned 247Sports True Freshman All-America Team honors,” Brockermeyer wrote.

“He’s trending towards being a very high pick in two seasons if he continues to develop but until then he’s got the chance to be the face of a Florida turnaround and one of the best QBs in the country. The big-framed dual-threat QB has plenty of big-name teams on the docket next year to deliver a Heisman moment or two.”

Athlon Sports’ Steven Lassand also included Florida’s signal-caller in his way-too-early outlook on the prestigious award.

“Lagway’s move into the starting lineup was instrumental in Florida’s late-season improvement that included big-time wins over LSU, Ole Miss, and Florida State and also likely saved coach Billy Napier’s job after a 3-3 start,” Lassan notes. “The sophomore-to-be has enormous upside and talent that will only get better with more snaps in ’25.”

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DJ Lagway among Athlon’s way-too-early 2025 Heisman contenders

DJ Lagway is among the top candidates to contend for the 2025 Heisman Trophy according to Athlon Sports.

The 2025 college football season is still a long way away — after all, there are still plenty of bowl games and the CFP that need to be played before the end of the current campaign. However, that has not stopped some from looking ahead to what next fall has in store.

What has been decided already was the 2024 recipient of the Heisman Trophy, which went to Colorado Buffaloes two-way star Travis Hunter. The award represents the pinnacle of collegiate honors and is coveted by every person who plays the sport.

So who will bring home the bacon next season? Athlon Sports’ Steven Lassand published his way-too-early outlook on the prestigious award after the announcement and included Florida Gators quarterback [autotag]DJ Lagway[/autotag] among his frontrunners.

“Lagway’s move into the starting lineup was instrumental in Florida’s late-season improvement that included big-time wins over LSU, Ole Miss, and Florida State and also likely saved coach [autotag]Billy Napier[/autotag]’s job after a 3-3 start,” Lassan notes. “The sophomore-to-be has enormous upside and talent that will only get better with more snaps in ’25.”

Athlon Sports Heisman Trophy frontrunners

Along with Lagway, quarterbacks Cade Klubnik (Clemson Tigers), Nico Iamaleava (Tennessee Volunteers), Arch Manning (Texas Longhorns), Jalen Milroe (Alabama Crimson Tide), Garrett Nussmeier (LSU Tigers) and LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina Gamecocks) also made the cut.

Running backs Jordan James (Oregon Ducks) and Jeremiyah Love (Notre Dame Fighting Irish) were also included in the top tier along with wide receivers Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State Buckeyes) and Ryan Williams (Alabama).

Other Heisman predictions for Lagway

CBS Sports writer Blake Brockermeyer also included Lagway in his list of 14 players who have a strong possibility of winning the 2025 Heisman Trophy.

“Lagway has been as advertised as the top-ranked QB in the 2024 class and just earned 247Sports True Freshman All-America Team honors,” Brockermeyer wrote.

“He’s trending towards being a very high pick in two seasons if he continues to develop but until then he’s got the chance to be the face of a Florida turnaround and one of the best QBs in the country. The big-framed dual-threat QB has plenty of big-name teams on the docket next year to deliver a Heisman moment or two.”

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Florida football QB DJ Lagway named to 2024 PFF All-Freshman Team

Gators QB DJ Lagway has been named to the 2024 Pro Football Focus All-Freshman Team.

Florida football freshman quarterback DJ Lagway has been named to the 2024 Pro Football Focus All-Freshman Team. This recognition highlights Lagway’s exceptional performance throughout his first season in college, where has not only met but also surpassed the high expectations set for him as a top recruit.

PFF, renowned for its rigorous, data-driven analysis, recognized Lagway’s impressive statistics and consistent performance against tough competition. His high grade not only reflects his personal success but, also his impact on the field, influencing the outcome of games and setting new standards for freshman quarterbacks.

Over the course of the 2024 season, Lagway was 93-for-187 passing (57.8%) for 1,610 yards. He threw 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions, with a passer rating of 96.5.

According to PFF, Lagway had a passing grade of 75.5 and an overall offensive grade of 71.8.

What really stood out was Lagway’s deep ball accuracy. PFF gave Lagway a grade of 97.3 when it came to deep ball accuracy (20-plus yards). This metric not only underscores his arm strength and precision but, also his ability to effectively read defenses and make difficult throws under pressure.

For the Gator Nation, Lagway’s early success and this latest honor are signs of exciting times ahead for Florida football, with hopes high that their quarterback will continue to grow and lead their team to greater achievements.

2024 PFF All-Freshman Team

Offense

Defense

  • DI: Francis Brewu (Pittsburgh Panthers)
  • DI: Jamarious Brown (Ole Miss Rebels)
  • EDGE: Dylan Stewart (South Carolina Gamecocks)
  • EDGE: Colin Simmons (Texas Longhorns)
  • LB: Simeon Coleman (Cincinnati Bearcats)
  • LB: Sammy Brown (Clemson Tigers)
  • CB: Leonard Moore (Notre Dame Fighting Irish)
  • CB: Jay Crawford (Auburn Tigers)
  • S: Koi Perich (Minnesota Golden Gophers)
  • S: KJ Bolden (Georgia Bulldogs)
  • Flex: Kaleb Harris (Auburn Tigers)

Special Teams

  • K: Nolan Hauser (Clemson Tigers)
  • P: Rhys Dakin (Iowa Hawkeyes)
  • RS: Koi Perich (Minnesota Golden Gophers)
  • LS: James Roe (Toledo Rockets)
  • ST: Dylan Day (Miami Hurricanes)

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CBS Sports names DJ Lagway a ‘contender’ for 2025 Heisman Trophy

CBS Sports names Gators QB DJ Lagway a ‘contender’ for 2025 Heisman Trophy.

DJ Lagway, Florida football’s freshman quarterback who has quickly become one of college football’s most exciting players, has been named a “contender” for the 2025 Heisman Trophy by CBS Sports.

The 6-foot-3-inch, 239-pound quarterback out of Willis, Texas, had a 5-1 record as a starter this season with 1,610 passing yards on 93-for-157 passing (59.2%), 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions while carrying the ball 46 times for 97 yards.

Lagway logged 12 completions of 40-plus yards and led all FBS passers with a 97.3 passing grade on deep balls, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). He also led all true freshman quarterbacks with a 59.6 passing rating (minimum of 100 attempts).

As the Gators continue to rebuild and reshape their football identity, Lagway stands out as a beacon of hope and a pivotal player to watch.

CBS Sports writer Blake Brockermeyer included Lagway in his list of 14 players who have a strong possibility of winning the 2025 Heisman Trophy.

What CBS Sports said about Lagway

“Lagway has been as advertised as the top-ranked QB in the 2024 class and just earned 247Sports True Freshman All-America Team honors,” Brockermeyer wrote.

“He’s trending towards being a very high pick in two seasons if he continues to develop but until then he’s got the chance to be the face of a Florida turnaround and one of the best QBs in the country. The big-framed dual-threat QB has plenty of big-name teams on the docket next year to deliver a Heisman moment or two.”

Every 2025 Heisman Trophy ‘contender’ according to CBS Sports

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