Trailing 27-24, the Gators were driving late in the fourth quarter, seeking to regain the lead. After two successful third-down conversions, Florida found itself at the Ole Miss 30-yard line facing a third-and-five. Sophomore quarterback DJ Lagway took the shotgun snap, rolled left, and attempted a cross-body pass intended for sophomore wide receiver Aidan Mizell. The ball was deflected by Ole Miss junior linebacker Suntarine Perkins and landed in the hands of senior safety Wydett Williams Jr., effectively sealing Florida’s 34-24 defeat to No. 7 Ole Miss.
“This has been emotionally draining, this whole year to be honest, all the way back to January,” Lagway said. “But I’m gonna continue to get better, continue to work and continue to strive for greatness.”
Lagway’s 2025 season has been a rollercoaster. He began the offseason sidelined by a shoulder injury and underwent sports hernia surgery, followed by a strained left calf in July and another lower-body injury during Florida’s loss to Miami. Despite those setbacks, Lagway has played through a challenging campaign, completing just over 63% of his passes for 1,980 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. He has also contributed on the ground, with a rushing touchdown noted during the game described above.
In the game’s first half, Lagway connected on 9 of 17 passes for 155 yards, including a 57-yard TD pass to redshirt senior wideout J. Michael Sturdivant. Florida’s head coach and Lagway’s performances have been under close scrutiny as the season progresses, with discussions focusing on maturation and consistency going forward.
Additional context from the season indicates Lagway’s resilience amid adversity, as he continues to balance recovery from injuries with on-field responsibilities. The team has emphasized development and learning from each setback, aiming to translate late-season opportunities into a stronger finish in upcoming games.
Overall, Lagway’s 2025 arc reflects the pressures placed on a talented quarterback navigating injury challenges, team expectations, and the drive to reach peak performance.
Author’s summary: Lagway’s 2025 season is marked by injuries, tough losses, and personal resilience, with ongoing development and a commitment to improving despite a demanding year.