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After a strong end to the 2024 season, the Florida Gators were not too worried about finding a starting QB. Sophomore DJ Lagway proved time and time again that he is the best man for the job. During the offseason, Gators coach Billy Napier has been active in finding the Gators QB depth. From transfers to recruits, this Florida quarterback room will finally be talent packed.
Man For The Job
After a very impressive freshman showing, Quarterback DJ Lagway will get the start for the 2025 season. Lagway was on everyone’s radar early last season after he showed his ability to throw the ball deep downfield. In fact, entering week nine of last season DJ Lagway had the highest completion percentage on passes over 20 yards.
One of the most crucial parts of Lagway’s game is his ability to break tackles and make plays happen. Multiples times throughout the season Lagway was seen shedding off a defensive lineman, then finding a man down field. Head coach Billy Napier described Lagway as a “unique talent” and a “true competitor.” Lagway has the skills, abilities and mentality that you cannot teach.
Last season, the Gators showed they were not prepared when Lagway went down. Napier made it known that the Florida Gator QB room will have depth for the upcoming seasons.
DJ Lagway going through the motions. #Gators @GatorsIllust pic.twitter.com/C4XQH5ZB8Y
— Dylan Olive (@DylanOlive_UF) April 1, 2025
New Transfers
The first new face in the locker room is sixth year transfer Harrison Bailey. Bailey played for Tennessee, UNLV and Louisville across five seasons in college football. One of the most important parts of this offseason was getting a veteran for the quarterback room.
Although Harrison has not logged many starts, his most recent start won him MVP of the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl. The 6’5 230 pound quarterback threw for three touchdowns and zero interceptions in a Louisville win.
The most important factor in this addition is that Harrison Bailey has embraced the backup quarterback role.
Battle for QB3
The Gators added freshman quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. as they look to develop a younger guy under Lagway. Jones Jr. was ranked as the 4th best quarterback in the class of 2025 and was a four star recruit. Although Jones Jr. missed all but two games of his senior season, he won both those games and posted 439 yards for five touchdowns and zero interceptions.
Jones Jr. is poised to sit behind quarterback DJ Lagway for at least two seasons. But his development throughout spring will be crucial for Florida’s depth in 2025.
After a full day of classes, meetings, rehab, workouts and team walkthrough, @TramellJonesJr spent an extra hour in Florida’s IPF throwing to @NaeshaunM.
Jones went out with a bang on his last pass, launching a 60-yard bomb to Montgomery.
STORY: https://t.co/dMk5Vmw63M pic.twitter.com/2IffMg0uSb
— Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) February 25, 2025
When Lagway went down in the middle of the Georgia game last season, Aidan Warner stepped up to the plate. Preferred walk-on Aidan Warner is back in Gainesville for his second season with the Florida Gators. No one in college football was put in a harder situation then Aidan Warner last season. He got his first SEC minutes on the road against Georgia and had to start the following week against Texas. Warner gave it everything he had for the Gators, but just didn’t have the arm strength or skill set to compete on the field against the best defenses.
Warner and Jones Jr. will compete through the spring and summer for a higher spot on that Gators QB depth chart.
Looking Ahead
Spring practices have already started for the Florida Gators this offseason, and the players look to get in shape for the 2025 season. The famous Florida Gators Orange and Blue game will take place April 12 at 1 p.m.
