In December 2024, ESPN’s Mark Schlabach included Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway in his early Heisman Trophy discussions for the 2025 season, a year ahead of time. Lagway’s inclusion in Schlabach’s list of 14 potential contenders was not ranked, but the recognition was based on the promise he showed during his freshman season. Despite being a newcomer to the starting role, Lagway’s performances in his brief appearances were enough to garner attention and set the stage for what is expected to be a standout sophomore season.
Lagway’s journey to this point began when senior quarterback Graham Mertz suffered a torn ACL in the sixth game of the season, a 23-17 overtime loss to Tennessee. With Mertz out, Lagway stepped into the starting role and quickly impressed. His most notable performance came when he started against Samford, an FCS team, in place of Mertz, who had been sidelined with a concussion. In that game, Lagway threw for 456 yards and three touchdowns, breaking a Florida freshman record and leading the Gators to a dominant 45-7 victory. Over the course of the season, Lagway accumulated 1,610 passing yards and 11 touchdowns in 11 games, providing a glimmer of hope for a Florida program that had struggled to find consistency. His strong finish to the season also helped secure coach Billy Napier’s position for another year.
However, there is more to Lagway’s impact than just the game against Samford. While ESPN highlighted this performance as a major factor in his rise to Heisman contention, it overlooks other significant accomplishments, including the Gators’ surprise wins over ranked teams such as No. 22 LSU and No. 9 Ole Miss. These victories played a crucial role in Florida’s 7-5 record for the season, a much better outcome than many had anticipated. Moreover, Lagway demonstrated a remarkable ability to throw deep passes, which was one of the standout features of his play, even as a freshman.
Schlabach’s mention of Lagway as a Heisman contender is rooted in his promise and potential rather than his complete body of work. While the Samford game was a high point, the true impact of Lagway’s freshman season lies in the context of his leadership and the way he turned around the Gators’ season. He not only displayed impressive individual talent but also helped Florida achieve significant team success, culminating in a strong finish to the season. Lagway’s ability to step in and lead the team during a challenging year was key to restoring optimism among fans and the coaching staff.
247Sports provided a more comprehensive assessment of Lagway’s contributions, emphasizing his influence on the program’s trajectory. The site noted that it is rare for a true freshman to alter the course of a program, but Lagway accomplished just that. His 5-1 record as a starter, including three consecutive wins to end the season, was crucial in turning Florida’s season around. Notably, his victories over LSU and Ole Miss were significant, showcasing his potential in high-pressure situations. Lagway’s performance throughout the season created a sense of hope for the future, and the Gators’ prospects are brighter heading into the 2025 season, largely due to his emergence as a potential star.
Lagway’s rise to Heisman consideration is a testament to his talent and the impact he had on his team, despite being a freshman. The Heisman discussion for the 2025 season is still in its early stages, but Lagway’s inclusion on ESPN’s list signifies that he has done enough to build a case for himself. If he continues to perform at a high level and improves upon his freshman campaign, he could solidify his place as one of college football’s top quarterbacks in the coming years.
Looking ahead, Lagway has the opportunity to further elevate his profile with strong performances in upcoming games, including the Gasparilla Bowl. A standout showing in that game could help him gain even more attention as a Heisman contender and propel him into the national spotlight. With his promising talent, leadership ability, and the confidence gained from his freshman experience, Lagway has the potential to become one of the top quarterbacks in college football and a serious candidate for the prestigious Heisman Trophy.
In conclusion, while DJ Lagway’s Heisman candidacy is still in its early stages, his inclusion on ESPN’s list of potential contenders highlights the impact he had in his freshman year. His performances, particularly his wins over ranked teams, have put him on the map as one of the top young quarterbacks in the nation. With continued development and strong performances in the upcoming season, Lagway could cement his place as a top Heisman contender in 2025.
