ESPN interviews Gators’ QB DJ Lagway for allegations of assaulting rivals’ star during…..Read more

Quarterback DJ Lagway of the Florida Gators was ranked fifth in college football by ESPN after making his starting debut versus Samford. Ten first-year players were recognized for their “immediate impact” this year.

Billy Tucker noted on ESPN+ that “it took only one start for the top-ranked dual-threat quarterback in the 2024 class to join this ranking. Lagway made the passes of a seasoned quarterback despite Florida’s lower-level opponent, Samford.

Throughout the game, he demonstrated excellent timing and accuracy by setting up his receivers for big gains. He set a new Gators record for a true freshman with 456 passing yards, and he also showed off his mobility and ability to make plays with his legs.

Supporters of the Gators have cause for confidence thanks to last year’s Gatorade National High School Football Player of the Year.

The Texan’s stellar play earned him a spot on the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award’s Player of the Week Honorable Mention list.

Among the previously highly-recruited freshmen highlighted were Lagway, Dylan Raiola of Nebraska (ESPN’s top QB recruit), and Jeremiah Smith of Ohio State, who was a five-star wide receiver. Ryan Williams of Alabama and Dylan Stewart of South Carolina are two other SEC players that made the cut.

Just one other quarterback, Lagway, was named on the list, with Raiola. Despite making his starting debut against Samford on Saturday, Lagway got play after Mertz went down in the third quarter of the game against Miami. Lagway had six pass attempts, which he completed 50% of the time in limited play versus Miami.

Billy Napier, head coach of the Gators, stated why Mertz will start again this week against Texas A&M, despite Lagway’s recent success. Gators fans were reassured, nevertheless, that Lagway would play a significant role in every game from this point on.