According to a report from USA Today’s Matt Hayes, the Gators may be dealing with more serious issues than initially disclosed. While Napier acknowledged at the beginning of spring camp that the QB would be limited in his passing due to a shoulder injury, Hayes reports that the young QB hasn’t thrown at all during spring practice. There’s even speculation he could require surgery.
The emergence of a freshman quarterback gave Florida fans something to believe in during the 2024 season and played a major role in head coach Billy Napier securing a fourth year with the program. With hopes high for 2025, Lagway was expected to fully step into the starting quarterback role—but lingering injuries have clouded that vision this spring.
Adding to the concern, Hayes revealed Lagway is also managing a lower-body issue—specifically, a core injury—which has further limited his activity during camp.
“We’re trying to be very smart about the situation,” Napier said in March when spring drills began, via the Associated Press. “We know what DJ went through last season. He showed real grit and toughness. He’s a warrior, and we’re approaching this with his long-term health in mind.”
Despite these setbacks, Napier has maintained a hopeful tone, saying last week that Lagway is “doing great,” though he admitted the quarterback’s throwing has been “modified” to prevent aggravation.
With the season opener against Long Island University on August 30 still over four months away, the Gators have time to monitor Lagway’s progress. However, things ramp up quickly—Florida travels to LSU just two weeks later in what will be their first major test of the season.
If Lagway can’t go, the backup situation isn’t ideal. Veteran quarterback Harrison Bailey, now on his fourth college team after stops at Tennessee, UNLV, and Louisville, is the most experienced option. While he impressed in last season’s Sun Bowl—throwing three touchdowns and earning MVP honors—he has yet to establish himself as a consistent presence at the college level. The other alternative, Aidan Warner, transferred from Yale in 2023 but struggled during his limited action, notably throwing three interceptions against Texas last fall.
The Gators will host their annual Blue & Orange Spring Game on Saturday at 1 p.m. ET, offering fans a first glimpse of the team’s progress. Lagway is officially listed on the Blue roster as a quarterback, but it remains uncertain whether he’ll take the field or continue his recovery on the sidelines.
With big expectations and big games ahead, Florida’s hopes in 2025 could hinge on Lagway’s health—and whether he can return to form in time.
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