It didn’t take long for Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway to grab the spotlight from ESPN.
Just a week after making his starting debut against Samford, Lagway earned a spot as the No. 5 freshman in college football, according to ESPN’s rankings. This list, which recognizes ten freshmen who have made an “immediate impact” this season, includes standout performers from across the nation.
In his debut performance, Lagway demonstrated why he’s one of the most highly anticipated newcomers. ESPN’s Billy Tucker noted, “Although Florida faced a lower-tier opponent in Samford, Lagway played with the poise of a seasoned veteran. He displayed impressive timing and precision, amassing 456 passing yards—a Gators record for a true freshman. His ability to move within the pocket and make plays with his legs added to his impressive debut. Lagway, last year’s National High School Football Gatorade Player of the Year, provides a bright future for Gators fans.”
Lagway’s standout performance also earned him an Honorable Mention for the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Player of the Week.
Alongside Lagway, the list features other top freshmen like Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (ESPN’s No. 1 quarterback recruit) and Ohio State’s former five-star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. Notable SEC players included are Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams and South Carolina defensive end Dylan Stewart.
Apart from Raiola, Lagway is the only quarterback to make this prestigious list. His debut came after he briefly replaced Mertz in the third quarter of the University of Miami game, where he completed half of his six pass attempts.
Despite Lagway’s impressive start, Florida head coach Billy Napier has stated that Mertz will return as the starter for the upcoming game against Texas A&M. However, Napier assured fans that Lagway will play a significant role in each game moving forward.
