Florida Gators star quarterback DJ Lagway will start their season opener against Long Island University on Saturday. Addressing a press conference today, the head coach, Billy Napier, revealed the news that the Gators’ faithful were dying to hear. Their star quarterback has been a full participant in recent team practices after being limited in most of the fall camp due to a calf strain. However, considering Lagway’s injury history, the concerns around backups remain.

So, what’s plan B? There is no information provided on the depth chart. The program is yet to reveal the backup QB. “We’ll see. We’ll see. Big week coming up. We’re not ready to make any declarations,” Napier added about the mystery surrounding the backup QB announcement. Over the offseason, Lagway’s appearance on the turf has been inconsistent, owing to his health. He was sidelined from the spring reps owing to a shoulder and lower-body injury. Following the recovery period, he geared up for the pre-season drills, but within the first two days, a calf injury got him to the sidelines again.

The backup contenders emerged over Lagway’s uncertainty in recent weeks. Namely, grad transfer Harrison Bailey, redshirt sophomore Aidan Warner, and true freshman Tramell Jones Jr. Last week as well, Billy Napier was tight-lipped on the backup QB room. “It’s still very much a battle. I wish I had more clarity,” he said per ESPN.

Now, Harrison Bailey is an experienced veteran going ahead to his last season of eligibility. He transferred to Gainesville after spending two seasons at Louisville and is pegged as Lagways’ backup QB. Over his collegiate stops at Tennessee and UNLV, along with Louisville, he had 1,190 yards, three interceptions, and 10 touchdowns. Napier seemed impressed with his SEC experience. “That was a big deal. To get a guy who has played in the SEC, who has prepared as the backup or starter for a long time, a good passer, an accurate passer,” he said.

And Aidan Warner? He was impressive during the spring drills. While Lagway was nursing his injury, he completed 10-23 passes for 157 yards to go with two touchdowns. Last season, he chipped in for an injured Lagway during the game against Georgia. After the QB1 headed to the sidelines in the second quarter, Warner took the lead. While he earned a touchdown, he also threw an interception. Following the game, he again found himself in the trenches against Texas but couldn’t break through the SEC defense.

Coming to the freshman Jones Jr., he racked up impressive stats over his high school career. Ranked as the No. 25 QB in the Class of 2025, and Billy Napier is impressed. He threw for 7,197 yards with 71 touchdowns and 21 interceptions over 34 high school games. “I was always impressed with Tramell,” Napier said. “He’s a 6-footer, but he’s a quarterback. Excited about what he brings to the table. The key takeaway for the backup QB? The grind is still on.

Billy Napier high on the secondary

The Gators have had a rich history when it comes to producing elite talent in the defensive backfield. That includes players like Keanu Neal and Vernon Hargreaves III. For that reason, the program was often addressed as a DBU (Defensive Back Unit). That’s what the head coach is hoping to see from his secondary in the upcoming season.

Talking to the media today, he praised the secondary. “I think our secondary is on mission. I always tell them, ‘Hey, it’s time to bring DBU back.’ The recent past hasn’t done justice to the Gators’ DBU tag, but can that change in 2025?

Among cornerbacks, Devin Moore will take one of the starting spots. Joining him would be one of junior Dijon Johnson or redshirt sophomore Cormani McClain. The duo didn’t get a significant number of snaps last year, but McClain impressed the coaching staff during the spring camp. The Colorado transfer created buzz when he made his move from Deion Sanders’ program, but that didn’t translate to game time last year. That is set to change this season.

There is veteran depth at the safety position as well. Jordan Castell and Bryce Thornton are returning. Then we have Michael Caraway Jr. and a few freshmen to provide the depth. Ron Roberts and Vinnie Sunseri have liked what they have seen from the secondary so far. Will that translate to the season?