Injury-Plagued Gators QB Lagway Rejoins Team Drills Ahead of Season Opener

As of August 19, 2025, Florida's star quarterback DJ Lagway has taken significant steps in his recovery from a calf strain. Lagway, who had been limited to individual and side drills for the past three weeks, has now participated in 11-on-11 team practices for the first time since the start of training camp.

This is a promising development for the 15th-ranked Gators as they prepare for their season opener on August 30 against Long Island University. Lagway, a Heisman Trophy hopeful, has dealt with a series of injury setbacks over the past year, including a shoulder injury that kept him out of spring practice and a strained hamstring that slowed him down last November.

Despite still wearing a non-contact jersey, Lagway's return to full team drills is a positive sign for the Gators, who are counting on the sophomore to lead their offense this season. Florida head coach Billy Napier has expressed confidence in Lagway's recovery, stating that the quarterback is "feeling much better" and "moving around well."

The Gators have limited experience behind Lagway, with former Yale transfer Aidan Warner, freshman Tramell Jones Jr., and college journeyman Harrison Bailey competing for the backup role. Napier acknowledged that the backup quarterback battle is "still very much a battle" and that the team will continue to evaluate the group in the coming weeks.