Florida is introducing a two-quarterback system, giving highly regarded freshman DJ Lagway a chance to show that his impressive debut was not just a fluke.
It remains to be seen how coach Billy Napier will use Lagway and veteran senior Graham Mertz together. This duo — particularly Lagway — will be a key focus when the Gators (1-1) play against Texas A&M (1-1) on Saturday for their Southeastern Conference opener.
“I don’t want to reveal all the details just yet,” Napier said on Monday.
Napier emphasized that he always planned to get Lagway “into every game,” but the top-rated QB recruit of 2023 only appeared in the opener against then-No. 19 Miami after Mertz suffered a concussion on the last play of the third quarter.
With Mertz out last week, Lagway made his first career start against Samford, a lower-division team, and delivered one of the best performances ever by a freshman quarterback at Florida.
Lagway completed 18 of 25 passes for 456 yards and three touchdowns in a 45-7 win. He broke the previous freshman record of 268 yards set by Chris Leak in 2003 against Kentucky.
“If we were playing the Chicago Bears on Saturday, it would be a different situation,” Napier said, trying to manage the excitement around Lagway.
The 6-foot-3, 240-pound Texan made six passes of at least 30 yards — something Mertz and the Gators did only 14 times last season. His well-placed TD passes to Tank Hawkins and Aidan Mizell was as impressive as any performances from former Florida QBs Kyle Trask or Anthony Richardson.
“He gains more experience each week, and for him to have the chance to start, practice with the first team, and perform the way he did, showing poise and composure, proves he’s ready for what we have planned for him moving forward,” Napier said.
Mertz, who is in his second year at Florida after transferring from Wisconsin, had a decent but not outstanding season last year. He passed for 2,903 yards with 20 touchdowns and three interceptions before injuring his collarbone at Missouri in mid-November.
The Gators ended the season with a 5-7 record and did not make a bowl game, which was only the third time they missed out since 1990. Napier considered Mertz’s choice to stay at Florida “a huge deal” for the team. Mertz spent much of last week helping Lagway get ready.
“What I learned about myself is really just that I can adapt to anything,” Lagway said. “Just be ready for any opportunity that comes my way.”
Some people close to the team believe Mertz would handle a smaller role well, even if it means Lagway takes the lead for the rest of the year.
“We’re going to do what’s in the best interest of the team,” Napier said. “I think both these players can make our team better. That’s what we intended to do.
“The great thing is there is a great relationship there, confidence, humility from both guys, and a healthy respect from the team and staff for both players.”
Napier is under pressure to manage the quarterback situation well. He is already facing intense scrutiny after two underwhelming seasons marked by in-game mistakes and puzzling decisions. There is a growing belief that he might be fired if losses continue to accumulate.
He has a 12-15 record at Florida over three seasons, including 2-10 against ranked teams and 1-8 against rivals like Miami, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, and Tennessee. Napier already has as many home losses as Steve Spurrier had in twelve years at Florida.
So, would he prefer to rely on the 23-year-old Mertz or the 19-year-old Lagway to shape his future?
