Gators’ DJ Lagway Must Deliver Now as Coach Napier’s Future Hangs

UPDATE: The Florida Gators are in a critical moment as sophomore quarterback DJ Lagway must step up to save coach Billy Napier‘s tenure. With a current record of 2-4 and 1-2 in the SEC, the Gators are desperate for a win this Saturday against Mississippi State, who currently stands at 4-2.

The urgency is palpable: Lagway, who showed flashes of brilliance last season, needs to reignite his performance to help the Gators secure a six-game winning streak — a feat that could surpass last year’s finish and potentially save Napier’s job. “I see the player that I know, I saw last year…,” Napier stated on Wednesday, highlighting Lagway’s potential play-making abilities.

Lagway, now 20 years old, has struggled to maintain a passer rating above 134 this season, a threshold he consistently achieved in 2024. His performance has included a difficult night at LSU with five interceptions and a lackluster game against Miami. However, a recent 29-21 victory against Texas on October 4 marked a turning point, with Lagway completing 75% of his passes for 298 yards and two touchdowns, earning a rating of 180.8.

The stakes are high as the Gators’ offensive struggles continue, ranking last in the SEC with an average of 15.8 points against FBS competition. Lagway expressed his frustration after the 34-17 loss to Texas A&M, stating, “This ain’t acceptable. I’m tired of it.” The pressure is mounting on both Lagway and Napier to turn the season around as they prepare to face the Bulldogs, whose defense is currently ranked 11th in the SEC.

As the Gators gear up for this pivotal matchup, Lagway’s focus and determination will be critical. Coach Napier remains optimistic, noting, “I just see that look in his eye, the comfort… he was uncomfortable for a while.” With the clock ticking, fans are eager to see if Lagway can lead the team to victory and revive their season.

The upcoming game against Mississippi State could determine not just this season’s trajectory but also the futures of both Lagway and Napier at the University of Florida. As the Gators prepare for a crucial homecoming, all eyes will be on Lagway to deliver a performance that could change the narrative for the struggling program.