Right now, DJ Lagway isn’t just Billy Napier’s best shot at survival—he’s the entire playbook. The moment Graham Mertz went down, Florida looked doomed. But then Lagway stepped in, electrified the field, and led the Gators to four straight wins, ending the season on a high note at 8-5. He’s become the quarterback everyone in the SEC is watching, and for good reason.
But while Lagway’s stock keeps rising, questions are swirling around another high-profile quarterback—Tennessee’s golden boy, Nico Iamaleava. Once considered a future college football superstar, Iamaleava’s hype train has hit some unexpected turbulence. And if Lagway continues his meteoric rise, the Gators’ resurgence won’t just be a return to form—it could mark the start of an SEC power shift.
Nico Iamaleava’s $8M Gamble: Is the Investment Paying Off?
NIL money is reshaping college football, and when a player secures an $8 million deal like Iamaleava did, expectations go through the roof. If you’re getting paid like a superstar, you better play like one. But college football analyst RJ Young isn’t sold on Tennessee’s supposed QB savior.
“I look at Nico and I go, ‘What? What do you do here?’” Young questioned. “Because he really didn’t do that much against Oklahoma, didn’t do that much against Alabama, and I don’t know that he would have beaten Georgia.”
That’s a brutal assessment, but the numbers back it up. Iamaleava struggled in big games. Against Alabama, he missed key throws that could have changed the course of the first half. Against Oklahoma, he made costly mistakes—including two critical fumbles—that left Tennessee reeling. For a quarterback with sky-high expectations, these inconsistencies are hard to ignore.
And while some might argue he’s still developing, the reality is that NIL money changes the way people view a player. Fair or not, when a quarterback lands an $8 million payday, the patience for growing pains disappears.
DJ Lagway: The Future of Florida Football
Unlike Iamaleava, Lagway isn’t defined by his NIL valuation—his game speaks for itself. And analysts like RJ Young have noticed.
“Lagway is doing everything you want to see in a quarterback,” Young said. “He can take off and run, he can throw the ball down the field, and most importantly, you trust him.”
His stats back up that confidence. Lagway wrapped up his season with 1,915 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. Not perfect, but considering his rapid development, it’s downright impressive. He also showcased his mobility, adding 101 rushing yards on 50 carries, proving he’s a dual-threat weapon.
More importantly, his advanced metrics paint the picture of a quarterback ready to dominate the SEC. Lagway ranked second among returning SEC quarterbacks in yards per attempt (10.0) and average depth of target (11.8), trailing only Jaxson Dart. His 8.8% big-time throw rate puts him in elite company, demonstrating his ability to make game-changing plays.
But for Florida fans, it’s not just about stats—it’s about what Lagway represents. He’s not just another quarterback; he’s the face of the Gators’ future. He has the arm strength, decision-making, and confidence that define championship-caliber QBs. And while the rest of the SEC might be sleeping on him, Gator Nation knows exactly what they have.
Can DJ Lagway Lead Florida to the Playoffs?
The Gators ended 2024 on a tear, winning their final four games, including crucial victories over LSU and Ole Miss. That momentum has set the stage for a pivotal 2025 season—one where “rebuilding” is no longer an excuse. For Florida, it’s playoffs or bust.
And thanks to the looming College Football Playoff expansion, their path just got a little easier. Reports indicate that the SEC and Big Ten are poised to dominate a new 14- or 16-team playoff format. That means the Gators won’t necessarily have to be a top-four team in the country—just one of the top four in the SEC.
Brandon Olsen of Locked On Gators broke it down perfectly:
“Because of this expansion, Florida will have a significantly higher chance of making it… all you have to do is be top 14 or be top 16.”
That’s a game-changer. The SEC is expected to receive four automatic bids, meaning Florida just needs to finish as one of the conference’s top teams to secure a spot. But is that realistic? Olsen isn’t completely convinced, saying,
“Getting the four auto bids obviously significantly increases your chances, but I’m torn on it. If Florida makes the playoff, I won’t be upset.”
That hesitation is understandable. The SEC remains a gauntlet, and Florida will have to prove they belong among the conference’s elite.
The Verdict: Is DJ Lagway the SEC’s Next Superstar?
Right now, the SEC landscape is shifting. Some quarterbacks are living off their reputations, while others—like DJ Lagway—are actively shaping their own legacies. While Tennessee is waiting for Iamaleava to justify his $8 million price tag, Florida has already found their leader in Lagway.
If he continues on his current trajectory, he won’t just lead Florida back to relevance—he could make them a legitimate playoff contender. And with the SEC’s new playoff format favoring teams that finish strong, Lagway might just be the key to unlocking the Gators’ championship aspirations.
The rest of the SEC better start paying attention. Because while everyone else is caught up in the hype, DJ Lagway is out here making history.
