What ESPN says is the biggest X factor for Florida football in 2025
In a recent ESPN breakdown of the biggest X factors for every Top 25 college football team, Lagway's status was highlighted as the key to Florida's success this fall.
Lagway dealt with lingering shoulder soreness throughout the spring, limiting his reps and causing concern heading into the summer. He played just five snaps in Florida's spring game and spent most of spring practice on a pitch count.
However, he resumed throwing in late April, and the Gators coaching staff is hopeful that he'll be full-go by fall camp.
Why is this such a big deal? Because Lagway isn't just another quarterback–he's the centerpiece of Billy Napier's plan to turn the Gators into SEC contenders again. If the Florida quarterback is fully healthy, the Gators could surprise people in 2025.
But if the shoulder issues linger or Florida has to rely on a backup, it could be a long season in Gainesville. Florida's quarterback depth is still developing, and replacing someone with Lagway's upside would be nearly impossible.
Here is everything ESPN's Harry Lyles Jr. wrote about the Florida Gators and why Lagway is the team's biggest X factor.
What ESPN said about Florida's X-factor
"X factor: Health of QB DJ Lagway"
"Quarterback play at any level of football is more valuable than it has ever been, and a big reason expectations are growing in Gainesville is because of No. 2 for the Gators. Lagway had some shoulder soreness in the offseason that carried over from last year, so he was limited in spring practice and played only five snaps in the spring game. He resumed throwing in late April, and it seems Florida has been cautious in hopes of having him ready to go this fall for a healthy season."
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