Florida football capped off the 2024 campaign with a 33-8 win over Tulane in the Gasparilla Bowl, finishing with an 8-5 record this season. The Gators cruised to a victory in Tampa, but freshman quarterback DJ Lagway wasn’t pleased with his showing and plans to get right to work this offseason.
“It definitely gave me an edge. It’s a bad taste in my mouth with my performance,” Lagway said postgame. “So it’s going to be straight to work this offseason. I have some goals, you know personal and for the team, so it’s gonna be a great offseason.”
Lagway didn’t have his best game in Orange and Blue. He threw a pair of interceptions into double and triple coverage, missed a wide-open receiver in the end zone, and looked hesitant in the pocket at times, which may have been magnified due to his hamstring injury. Even still, the 6’3, 239-pound signal caller was named Gasparilla Bowl game MVP for his record setting 305 passing yards.
Perhaps the most important note of the game was that the Florida Gators won, again; It’s the programs 4th straight win under Lagway. The Gators improved to 6-0 when Lagway starts and finishes the game at quarterback.
“It’s just a blessing to be in Orange and Blue and having an amazing fanbase has been good,” Lagway said on Friday.
It’s expected that a young quarterback, even one as talented as Lagway, goes through growing pains in his first year at a major program. The most important part of this season was that Lagway gained valuable experience against the best competition in the sport and showed us flashes of greatness throughout the year.
Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall had high praise for Lagway after the Gasparilla Bowl.
“He’s [DJ Lagway] a very talented young player. I had the privilege of coaching against Anthony Richardson while I was at Kentucky and he was a freshman at Florida, different players. This guy, I think, is probably more natural right now at that age of playing the quarterback position. He’s got a huge arm, he runs it good. Doesn’t necessarily want to be a run first player, but he can beat you with his legs too,” Sumrall said. “He’s a really good player, he’s got a bright future. He’s a talented young man and seems like a great kid too. From all accounts, he’s a really hard worker.”
Lagway’s arm talent and athletic prowess has been noticed around the country, highlighted by his True Freshman All-American and All-SEC selections. What isn’t talked about enough is his leadership and work ethic. The vibe on the football field changed when Lagway got his opportunity to play. Teammates like Tre Wilson were chanting “DJ Lagway” with the fans during his first career start against Samford. The Florida Gators rallied around Lagway, and the wins starting flowing.
Senior receiver Chimere Dike, who participated in the bowl game on Friday, said he plays the game for guys like Lagway.
“You know I wanted to be a part of it and finish off the right way. You know, I think that the adversity we were up against this season really brought this team close, guys like DJ are the reason I wanna play this game. I’m so excited for their future,” Dike said postgame.
I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a true freshman quarterback with the leadership and composure that Lagway possessed in 2024. DJ Lagway is a true leader who sets sky-high expectations for not only himself, but the team.