DJ Lagway Earns Place on Prestigious Davey O’Brien Award Preseason Watch List as He Continues Building Momentum Ahead of 2025 Season
DJ Lagway’s meteoric rise in the college football world took another significant step forward this week as the Florida Gators’ highly touted quarterback earned a spot on the prestigious Davey O’Brien Award preseason watch list. The announcement, made Wednesday, places Lagway among the nation’s top signal-callers expected to contend for the honor given annually to the best quarterback in college football. For a player who has already captured the imagination of Gator Nation with his talent, poise, and leadership, this latest recognition is both a testament to his hard work and a preview of what could be a breakout season in 2025.
The Davey O’Brien Award, one of the most respected individual honors in the sport, has a long history of recognizing quarterbacks who combine elite performance with leadership and consistency. Past winners include legends such as Steve Young, Peyton Manning, and more recently, stars like Bryce Young and Caleb Williams. To be mentioned in the same breath as such players—before Lagway has even taken his first snap as Florida’s full-time starter—is no small feat. It reflects not only the expectations surrounding him but also the belief that his skill set translates to the highest level of college football.
Lagway’s inclusion on the watch list is the result of a unique combination of natural ability and relentless preparation. Coming out of high school as one of the most highly recruited quarterbacks in the country, he arrived in Gainesville with both the spotlight and the pressure that comes with it. Yet, rather than shy away from the expectations, Lagway has embraced them, showing a maturity beyond his years. Coaches have praised his football IQ, work ethic, and ability to process information quickly—traits that are crucial in a position where split-second decisions often determine the outcome of a game.
Physically, Lagway has all the tools coaches dream of. At 6-foot-3 with a strong, accurate arm and the mobility to extend plays, he is capable of making every throw in the playbook. His deep ball has already drawn comparisons to some of the best in the game, while his ability to throw on the run gives Florida’s offense a dynamic edge. In an era where college defenses have become increasingly complex, Lagway’s combination of arm strength and athleticism allows him to exploit weaknesses in multiple ways.
But perhaps the most impressive aspect of Lagway’s profile is his leadership. Teammates have described him as someone who commands the huddle, stays calm under pressure, and sets the tone for the entire offense. In offseason workouts and spring practices, he has been vocal in encouraging his teammates while also holding them accountable. For a young quarterback, that level of presence can be rare, and it’s part of what makes him such a promising candidate for the Davey O’Brien Award.
The watch list recognition also puts Lagway on the national radar in a way that could influence Heisman conversations if he delivers in the 2025 season. While preseason lists are far from guarantees, they often highlight players with the potential to rise quickly if their performances match their potential. Florida’s schedule will give Lagway multiple opportunities to showcase his abilities against top-tier defenses, and strong showings in those games could propel him into the upper echelon of award contenders.
The path to such recognition, however, will not be easy. The Davey O’Brien Award field is loaded with talent, including returning All-Americans and proven multi-year starters from powerhouse programs. Lagway will have to compete not just with quarterbacks in the SEC, but with elite players from across the country who have already established themselves as household names. This means consistency will be key—stringing together big performances week after week, minimizing turnovers, and delivering in clutch situations.
One advantage Lagway will have is the system he’s operating in at Florida. The Gators have been building an offensive scheme that blends a balanced rushing attack with explosive passing plays, allowing a quarterback like Lagway to use his full skill set. With a talented receiving corps, a strong offensive line, and a running game capable of keeping defenses honest, he should have the tools around him to succeed. If the offense clicks as expected, Lagway could find himself putting up the kind of numbers that catch voters’ attention.
The buzz surrounding Lagway has been building since his recruitment, but 2025 represents a turning point. This is the year where hype must translate into production, and the early signs are promising. His spring game performance turned heads, not just because of the statistical output but because of the way he carried himself—making smart decisions, showing command of the offense, and demonstrating a knack for making plays in critical moments. Those qualities, combined with his physical gifts, are exactly what the Davey O’Brien Award selection committee looks for in a winner.
It’s also worth noting that Lagway’s recognition comes at a time when Florida football is seeking to reestablish itself as an SEC powerhouse. The Gators have had flashes of success in recent seasons but have struggled to consistently compete for conference titles. A quarterback of Lagway’s caliber can change that trajectory. History has shown that elite quarterback play often serves as the catalyst for championship runs, and Florida fans are hopeful that Lagway is the player to lead them back into national contention.
Off the field, Lagway has also made an impression. Known for his humility and grounded nature, he has embraced the responsibilities that come with being the face of the program. Whether it’s engaging with fans, participating in community outreach, or representing the team in media appearances, he has approached each role with professionalism. In an age where the spotlight can overwhelm young athletes, his ability to balance performance and public image speaks to his maturity.
The Davey O’Brien Award preseason watch list is just one step on a long journey, but it’s an important one. For Lagway, it serves as validation of the work he’s put in and motivation to keep improving. It also puts him in a position where every performance will be scrutinized, not just by Florida supporters but by a national audience eager to see if he can live up to the hype.
The next few months will be critical. Fall camp will provide the final tune-up before the season, allowing Lagway to further refine his timing with receivers, adjust to defensive looks, and ensure the offense is operating at peak efficiency. Once the season begins, the margin for error narrows. Big games against SEC rivals, prime-time matchups, and high-pressure road environments will all test his resilience and readiness.
Yet, if his journey so far is any indication, Lagway will not be intimidated by the stage. In fact, he seems to thrive when the lights are brightest. His competitive nature, coupled with his physical gifts, make him a quarterback capable of turning potential into tangible results. If he can do that consistently, the Davey O’Brien Award watch list may just be the beginning of a season filled with honors and achievements.
For Florida fans, the excitement is palpable. The Gators have had their share of memorable quarterbacks over the years, from Heisman winners to NFL stars, and there’s a growing belief that Lagway could join that lineage. While it’s far too early to predict where his career will ultimately land, earning a spot on one of the sport’s most prestigious preseason lists is a strong indicator that he’s on the right track.
The 2025 season will tell the story. If DJ Lagway can translate his promise into production, maintain his poise under pressure, and lead Florida to meaningful victories, he won’t just remain on the Davey O’Brien watch list—he could find himself in serious contention to win it. And for a young man who has already shown he belongs among the best, that possibility feels less like a dream and more like an inevitable step in his journey.
