As the 2025 college football season approaches, excitement is bubbling up with spring practice right around the corner, and teams are gearing up for action. One program drawing attention is the Florida Gators, who are looking to make a statement after finishing last season with an 8-5 record and a 4-4 mark in the SEC.
A significant decision from the Gators this offseason was retaining head coach Billy Napier for at least another year. His leadership will be pivotal as the team aims to build on their ending momentum, which culminated in a decisive 33-8 victory over Tulane in the Gasparilla Bowl.
Central to Florida’s aspirations in 2025 is quarterback DJ Lagway, who showed promise as a freshman, racking up impressive stats with 1,610 passing yards and 11 touchdowns over 11 games. His name has recently floated around as a contender for the Heisman Trophy, with the latest odds from FanDuel placing him at +2000, alongside Miami’s Carson Beck.
However, the road to stardom hasn’t been without bumps. Lagway is currently grappling with a shoulder injury that casts a shadow over the spring practice period. As the team navigates these concerns, insider Andy Staples from On3 provided some clarity on the situation, advising fans not to be surprised if Lagway doesn’t take the field to throw this spring. The Gators are prioritizing caution, ensuring Lagway isn’t at risk of aggravating the injury ahead of the season.
Fortunately for Gators fans, the injury is not expected to require surgery, allowing for a more optimistic outlook. In the meantime, Harrison Bailey is stepping in as the quarterback, meaning he’ll have the chance to gain valuable experience during this crucial phase.
While it’s certainly disheartening to see Lagway sidelined, the silver lining is the knowledge that once the season rolls around, he should be poised to hit the ground running. The Gators will be counting on his talent to help shape their trajectory in the challenging landscape of college football, making it a team to watch as the season unfolds.
