GAINESVILLE — If Billy Napier is to do something he never has at Florida, the Gators’ coach needs DJ Lagway to be special — if not spectacular.
Lagway hasn’t been so far. But the sophomore has started to show signs of the quarterback who spearheaded a four-game winning streak to end 2024 and was 6-1 as a starter.
“I see the player that I know, I saw last year, in terms of the play-making ability, the spin on the ball, the accuracy, game speed, decision-making, anticipation,” Napier said Wednesday.
To save Napier’s job, the Gators (2-4, 1-2 SEC) need to win out, beginning with Saturday’s homecoming visit from Mississippi State (4-2, 0-2). A six-win run would surpass last season’s finish, the longest winning streak at UF under Napier.
Lagway gives his coach a puncher’s chance. The 20-year-old also will have to be better or the man who recruited him out of Willis, Texas, more than three years ago will be gone.
Lagway has finished with a passer rating higher than 134 once in 2025, a standard he achieved each of his seven starts last season. A 130.2 mark at Texas A&M was his second highhest during a season featuring a five-interception night at LSU, 61-yard outing against Miami and an 18-16 home loss to USF.
A 29-21 win against Texas Oct. 4 in the Swamp was a major step forward for Lagway. He completed 75% of his throws for 298 yards and two scores (180.8 rating) to true freshman Dallas Wilson during his collegiate debut.
Florida quarterback DJ Lagway (2) is 8-5 as a starter after going 6-1 as a true freshman in 2024. (Lynne Sladky/The Associated Press)
Lagway and Co. continued the strong play early at Texas A&M, scoring on two of three possessions to start the game. The Aggies then adjusted and intensified the pressure on Lagway as UF managed just a field goal the rest of the way during a 34-17 loss at Kyle Field.
Facing Texas A&M and defensive-minded coach Mike Elko on the road is likely a taller order than any remaining on Florida’s schedule.
Mississippi State, in Year 2 under offensive-minded Jeff Lebby, is ranked 11th in SEC defense, but higher than three subsequent opponents — Ole Miss (12th), Tennessee (14th) and Kentucky (15th). Even Georgia (7th) is not playing to the well-established defensive standard of Kirby Smart.
UF’s quarterback sounds and looks ready to capitalize.
“I just see that look in his eye, the comfort … because there for a while he was uncomfortable,” Napier said.
Lagway wasn’t shy expressing frustration with himself and the offense at Texas A&M.
“This ain’t acceptable. I’m tired of it,” he said. “It’s not what we’re coached to do. This is not how we are supposed to play our brand of football.”
The Gators, with Napier calling plays, rank last in the SEC, and 123rd nationally, with an average of 15.8 points against FBS competition. Napier’s time at Florida might be most remembered for his offensive failures, unless Lagway can summon a six-game run no one sees coming.
Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com
