The Florida Gators are making an early-season change, though it’s injury-driven. Senior quarterback Graham Mertz is sidelined for the upcoming game against FCS Samford due to a concussion, head coach Billy Napier announced Wednesday. As a result, five-star true freshman DJ Lagway will step in for his first career start.
DJ Lagway has a great attitude. He’s excited and ready for the opportunity to play Saturday,” Napier said, via Jacob Rudner of 247 Sports. “It’s a chance for him to experience what it’s like as a competitor on the field. So far, so good.”
This shift wasn’t part of the plan, at least not this early in the season, but it’s likely to generate excitement among Florida fans. Mertz was the starter for last year’s 5-7 team and hadn’t shown significant improvement for 2024. Lagway, on the other hand, is a five-star recruit ranked as the top quarterback in the 2024 class. Though still raw and a true freshman, his potential offers a glimmer of hope after the Gators’ 41-17 loss to Miami.
With head coach Billy Napier facing mounting pressure, Lagway’s performance could be crucial in alleviating some of that burden.
