As we inch closer to the kickoff of the 2025 college football season, excitement is building around spring practice, and one team that deserves your attention is the Florida Gators. Although they wrapped up an 8-5 season with a 4-4 record in the SEC, the Gators have decided to stick with head coach Billy Napier for at least another year, aiming to capitalize on what they hope will be a promising upcoming season.
Florida closed out their last campaign on a high note, dominating Tulane with a decisive 33-8 victory in the Gasparilla Bowl. That kind of momentum can be uplifting, but the Gators are now looking to build on that success as they prepare for spring games.
A major detail in Florida’s plans revolves around quarterback DJ Lagway. After a solid freshman campaign, where he showcased his potential by throwing for 1,610 yards and 11 touchdowns over 11 games, Lagway is already making waves on Heisman Trophy watch lists. With current odds placing him at +2000 alongside Miami’s Carson Beck, expectations are high for the young signal-caller heading into next season.
However, the optimism surrounding Lagway is tempered by a shoulder injury he’s currently nursing. As he works through this issue, there are some questions about his availability for spring workouts. Sports analyst Andy Staples from On3 has shed some light on the situation. He notes that fans shouldn’t be surprised if Lagway remains sidelined and doesn’t participate in any throwing for the duration of spring practice. It seems the Gators are opting for an approach rooted in caution as they manage Lagway’s recovery.
The good news here is that while Lagway’s injury is significant enough to keep him off the field, it reportedly won’t necessitate surgery. This is a silver lining for the Gators, as it suggests Lagway should be ready to go when the season begins. In the meantime, with Lagway expected to miss all of spring practice, Harrison Bailey will step in as the team’s quarterback, at least for the foreseeable future.
While it’s always concerning to see a young talent like Lagway miss valuable practice time, the Gators’ decision to prioritize his long-term health over short-term gains indicates a thoughtful approach. As fall approaches, all eyes will be on Lagway to see how he rebounds from this situation and if he can live up to the Heisman hype that’s building around him. Stay tuned, Gators fans; the spring and summer could set the stage for a compelling season ahead.
