After DJ Lagway's big night, Florida Football is about to have a QB controversy

In a breakout performance that left fans buzzing, DJ Lagway's first collegiate start for the Florida Gators not only secured a 45-7 win over Samford but also set the stage for a potential quarterback controversy.

The highly touted freshman from Willis, Texas, delivered a performance that shattered records and expectations alike, throwing for 456 yards and three touchdowns.

He broke the school’s freshman single-game passing record, previously held by Chris Leak, and secured his place among the top quarterbacks in program history, ranking ninth all-time for passing yards in a game.

Lagway’s debut has injected fresh excitement into a fanbase hungry for success after a shaky start to the season. His ability to stretch the field, delivering six passes over 30 yards, was something the Gators sorely missed in recent years​.

His deep-ball accuracy was on full display, highlighted by a 77-yard bomb to Elijhah Badger and a perfectly placed 36-yard touchdown pass to Tank Hawkins. These explosive plays showcased not only his arm talent but also his poise under pressure​.

What sets Lagway apart is his dual-threat capability. While he didn’t showcase his legs much in this game, his mobility in the pocket and ability to extend plays will be a valuable asset for Florida as they dive into SEC play.

Head coach Billy Napier acknowledged the different dynamic Lagway brings to the offense, noting how his deep passing opened up the run game and allowed for better offensive balance​.

"The explosives in the first half obviously were a big piece to the puzzle, two big plays. And we had some balance, right? I think we established the run early. He had time too, right? I think that’s the important part as well. We protected better."

But Lagway's breakout comes at a critical time for the Gators. Injured starter Graham Mertz is expected to return soon after recovering from a concussion.

Mertz, the seasoned veteran, has the leadership and game experience that coaches value, but he hasn’t demonstrated the same level of explosiveness as Lagway​. This raises a fundamental question: does Napier ride the momentum of his young star, or does he return to the more experienced Mertz for the upcoming SEC gauntlet?

Napier, while praising Lagway’s performance, was cautious about fueling speculation. He reaffirmed his commitment to getting both quarterbacks on the field, emphasizing that Lagway would continue to have a role even if Mertz returns as the starter.

"I think that our intentions are the same. We intend to play him every week. I think we intended to do that last week as well. I think we had 20 plays or something at halftime last week. So we struggled to get any rhythm going.

But he brings a different element to our team. There’s no question he’ll be a part of every plan going forward."

However, it’s hard to ignore that Lagway did things in one game that Mertz hasn’t accomplished in two seasons at Florida. Lagway’s ability to consistently deliver big plays has breathed new life into an offense that looked stagnant in the season opener against Miami.

There is also a question of the locker room dynamics. Mertz, a respected leader, played a significant role in helping Lagway prepare for this start. The veteran quarterback spent time going over plays with him the night before the game, showcasing his unselfish nature and team-first mentality​.

It’s clear that there’s no animosity between the two quarterbacks, but as the old saying goes, “Winning cures all.” If Lagway continues to deliver, it will be difficult to justify benching him, no matter how experienced Mertz may be.

Looking ahead, the Gators will face much stiffer competition, starting with an SEC showdown against Texas A&M. It will be Lagway’s first potential start against a Power 4 opponent, and how he handles the pressure in those high-stakes situations will ultimately determine whether the freshman phenom is ready to take over the starting job full-time.

For now, though, Lagway has given Florida fans a reason to be optimistic. His record-breaking performance showed that the Gators have a special talent under center, and regardless of whether Napier sticks with him or opts for Mertz, Lagway has secured his place as the future of Florida football.