The Gators had a challenging season last year, as Graham Mertz struggled to find his rhythm, and Warner wasn’t quite suited for Billy Napier’s system. True freshman DJ Lagway was on the sidelines and didn’t anticipate playing a significant role in his first season. However, the team’s performance, losing five out of nine games, called for some changes in the lineup. Even Billy Napier had to think, “Let’s give this kid a chance; what’s the worst that could happen?” Lagway seized that opportunity, making the most of every snap and turning each game into a remarkable experience. If not for DJ Lagway, Napier might have faced uncertainty about his future in Florida. In many ways, the young quarterback not only saved Napier’s job but also restored the program’s reputation.

The next season is slated to bring in the same heroics from the prolific DJ Lagway. Everyone is thinking about the QB who produced more than 2,000 yards last year and who will finally lead Florida to glory. But there has been a slight hiccup in that dream. Lagway, while talented, has had injury issues to take care of; the same issues that had plagued his sophomore year at his high school came back to haunt him again.

Shoulder issues that Lagway experienced in high school significantly limited his participation during his sophomore year. By the time he reached college, even Billy Napier recognized that Lagway’s shoulder problems would eventually resurface. However, it was hard to overlook Lagway’s immense talent. He surprised everyone with his performance last season, but things have taken a turn. The quarterback has missed the entire spring practice due to his shoulder injury and was expected to undergo surgery, which has now been postponed until after the season concludes. Now, a twist in the story.

As per recent reports, Lagway is finally fit and throwing passes, as he posted one video on social media. But this wasn’t something that Andy Staples of On3 seemed interested in celebrating, as he cautioned Billy Napier about Lagway’s health. “If there are further problems, if there’s something that requires surgical intervention, then you just take Florida out of there. Take it off the board, it’s not even happening.” Staples said that Florida will struggle to perform in the 2025 season without Lagway. But why the concern?

This situation is quite concerning if we take Andy’s word for it. The Gators have chosen a cautious approach by resting Lagway’s throwing arm and not including him in spring practices. However, relying on Lagway poses a significant risk for Coach Napier this year. Reports indicate that without surgery, there is no guarantee that the injury won’t reoccur. If Napier had decided to pursue surgery now, Lagway would have to sit out the entire season. Either way, the head coach would face challenges for the 2025 season. The current scenario is essentially a gamble, as we can’t predict when a rough tackle or sack might exacerbate those shoulder problems.

Billy Napier tries to play down DJ Lagway’s injury concerns?

Billy Napier, however, knows all of the situations and the intricacy involved with Lagway’s injury. This is one of the reasons the head coach brought in Harrison Bailey from the Louisville Cardinals. But the 6’5″ and 211 lbs won’t be a starter in the roster, as last year he just threw for 227 yards, and before that, in 2023, his involvement was negligible. But Napier seemed to dismiss all of these concerns and even advocated for Lagway to pass to his full ability.

“Our intentions here are to be very smart,” Napier said last March. “I do think he’ll be limited in throwing activities, but he’ll participate in all practices otherwise. We’ve done a lot of homework with the things he went through as a player, but he was an absolute warrior and a great competitor who showed toughness.”

All eyes will now be on the Gasparilla Bowl MVP and how the player could transition smoothly without any significant injury throughout the season. The QB showed resilience last year as he missed just one game due to his hamstring injury. Maybe this season, too, Lagway can repeat and even improve his heroics and deliver a Heisman-level performance. If he can do that, then all will be well in Gainesville. Otherwise, there might be a major shakeup in the staff room.