DJ Lagway shines in Florida’s 45-7 victory over Samford

In a dominant performance, DJ Lagway, a highly regarded freshman quarterback, made his collegiate debut for Florida, throwing for an impressive 456 yards and three touchdowns against Samford. This game took place in Gainesville, Florida, and marked a significant moment for Lagway, who filled in for the injured Graham Mertz. His early success included completing his first seven passes, showcasing his potential and skill on the field. Lagway's standout plays included a 41-yard touchdown pass to Aidan Mizell and an 85-yard shovel pass to Eugene Wilson III, which highlighted his ability to make big plays. His performance not only broke the school record for passing yards by a freshman, previously held by Chris Leak, but also provided a much-needed boost for head coach Billy Napier, who faced scrutiny after a disappointing season opener. The Gators established a commanding lead early in the game, with Lagway's precision passing contributing to a 21-0 score. Despite a fumble by freshman running back Jaden Baugh that could have increased the lead, Florida maintained control throughout the match. The defense, however, still has areas to improve, as noted by Samford's coach. This victory not only serves as a confidence builder for Lagway and the Gators but also sets the stage for future games, particularly as they prepare to face Texas A&M in their Southeastern Conference opener. The chemistry between Lagway and Wilson is expected to be a focal point for Florida moving forward, as both players are poised to make significant contributions in the upcoming season.