The legend of DJ Lagway began long before he stepped onto the field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium for the first time. The Florida Gators’ starting quarterback was a consensus five-star recruit at Willis High School in Texas, where he recorded an impressive 129 total touchdowns over 42 career games. His high school performance earned him the 2023 National Gatorade Player of the Year, among numerous other accolades. Now, after a successful freshman year at the University of Florida, Lagway is poised to become one of the top quarterbacks in both the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the nation in 2025.
On Tuesday, Chris Phillips of SEC Unfiltered released his Pre-SEC Media Days quarterback rankings, placing Lagway in the top three. However, the conference expert ranked him as the third-best quarterback in the SEC for the upcoming 2025 season. The two quarterbacks ranked ahead of Florida’s rising star were LSU’s Garret Nussmeier and South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers.
Leading the Pack: Nussmeier and Sellers
Garret Nussmeier, a seasoned player for LSU, started all 13 games last season, leading the Tigers to a 9-4 record. He threw for over 4,000 yards in 2024, with 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. The Lake Charles, Louisiana native is entering his fifth year at LSU and is already considered an early favorite for a first-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. His experience and consistent performance have solidified his position at the top of the rankings.
Meanwhile, LaNorris Sellers emerged as a standout performer in his first year as a starter for the South Carolina Gamecocks. After redshirting in 2023, Sellers threw for over 2,500 yards with 18 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 2024. Additionally, he rushed for 674 yards and scored seven more touchdowns. His impressive debut earned him the Football Writers Association of America National Freshman Offensive Player of the Year honors.
Lagway’s Promising Start
As for DJ Lagway, his freshman year was marked by solid performances that earned him a spot on the FWAA Freshman All-American Team in 2024. He appeared in all 13 games for the Gators, throwing for just under 2,000 yards with 12 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Despite the challenges of transitioning to college football, Lagway’s potential has been evident, and expectations for his sophomore year are high.
Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier has expressed confidence in Lagway’s abilities and leadership. With 60 days until the Gators take the field again on August 30, the question remains whether Lagway can meet the high expectations set for him or if he will face the infamous sophomore slump.
Historical Context and Future Implications
The SEC has a rich history of producing top-tier quarterbacks who have gone on to successful careers in the NFL. Players like Peyton Manning, Tim Tebow, and Joe Burrow have set high standards for current and future quarterbacks in the conference. Lagway, Nussmeier, and Sellers are all vying to join this elite group, and their performances this season could significantly impact their draft prospects and future careers.
According to college football analyst Paul Finebaum, “The SEC is known for its competitive nature and the high caliber of its players. Lagway, Nussmeier, and Sellers are all exceptional talents, and their performances this season will be closely watched by NFL scouts and fans alike.”
“The SEC is known for its competitive nature and the high caliber of its players. Lagway, Nussmeier, and Sellers are all exceptional talents, and their performances this season will be closely watched by NFL scouts and fans alike.” – Paul Finebaum
As the 2025 college football season approaches, fans and analysts are eager to see how these young quarterbacks will perform under pressure. The upcoming season promises to be an exciting one, with potential for breakout performances and intense competition within the SEC.
In conclusion, while DJ Lagway may currently trail behind Nussmeier and Sellers in the rankings, his potential and past achievements suggest that he could soon rise to the top. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on these quarterbacks to see who will emerge as the best in the SEC and possibly the nation.
About The Author
