After making his debut as a starter against Samford, ESPN ranked Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway as the No. 5 freshman in college football. The list highlighted ten freshmen who have made an “immediate impact” this season.
“It took just one start for the top-ranked dual-threat quarterback in the 2024 class to earn a spot on this list,” wrote Billy Tucker on ESPN+. “While Florida faced a lower-tier opponent in Samford, Lagway displayed the poise and precision of a veteran quarterback. He delivered on-target throws that allowed his receivers to make big plays throughout the night, finishing with 456 passing yards—a Gators record for a true freshman. He also showcased his mobility, extending plays with his legs. As last year’s National High School Football Gatorade Player of the Year, Lagway gives Gators fans plenty to be excited about.” The Texas native’s performance also earned him Honorable Mention for the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Player of the Week.
Lagway was featured alongside other highly-touted freshmen such as Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (ESPN’s No. 1 quarterback recruit) and Ohio State’s former five-star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. Fellow SEC players like Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams and South Carolina defensive end Dylan Stewart also made the list.
Besides Raiola, Lagway was the only other quarterback to be included. Although the game against Samford marked his first start, Lagway saw action after Graham Mertz was injured in the third quarter against Miami. In limited time against Miami, he completed 50% of his six passing attempts. Despite Lagway’s recent standout performance, Gators head coach Billy Napier confirmed that Mertz would return as the starting quarterback for this week’s game against Texas A&M, while assuring fans that Lagway would continue to have a role in upcoming games.