Florida’s offense ranks 113th in college football through four games, averaging just over 328 yards per game. The Gators are averaging 287.3 yards against FBS teams in 2025.
While a Billy Napier led UF offense has never been more than average in the SEC, these numbers are on a different level. In each of his three seasons prior, Florida averaged more than 386 yards per game including two seasons over 400 yards. The story is similar with Florida’s scoring offense, which averaged more than 28 points per game from 2022-24. In 2025, Florida is averaging 22 points per game and 11 points per game against FBS competition.
There’s a significant drop off from an already average offensive output, which has led Florida to a 1-3 (0-1 SEC) record this season.
Florida was able to find success last season through DJ Lagway’s vertical passing game. The true freshman quarterback held the second highest deep pass percentage in the SEC at 18.4%, trailing only Jaxson Dart from Ole Miss, a later first round pick in the NFL Draft. Lagway completed 19 of his 36 passes (52.8%) that traveled more than 20 air yards with an incredible average depth per target of 31.2 yards on deep passes. Lagway graded as the best deep ball passer in the country according to Pro Football Focus.
Lagway’s emergence was a breath of fresh air in 2024 as Florida looked to finally have an explosive passing game they can build on.
That hasn’t been the case, however. Not only is Lagway not completing his deep passes in 2025, but he’s hardly attempting them. The sophomore has thrown just seven passes over 20 air yards this season, a deep pass percentage of 5.7%, the lowest in the SEC and a 12.7% decrease from 2024. In total, Lagway is 1 for 7 on deep passes for 41 yards, no touchdowns, and three interceptions this season.
It’s easy to sit back and blame Napier’s play design for the lack of deep passing, and that’s certainly part of it, but even former Gator quarterback Graham Mertz attempted nearly double the number of deep passes as Lagway has in 2025. In all seven of Napier’s prior seasons as a head coach, his starting quarterback held a deep pass percentage of 14.3+.
So why isn’t Florida having any success in their vertical passing game?
I think it’s important to look at how Lagway had success last season. A lot of his deep throws were first reads. Opposing defenses aimed to stop Florida’s rushing attack in hopes that a freshman quarterback couldn’t hit the big-time throws. Lagway did, and defenses adjusted.
When Lagway had to go to his second and third reads last season, he struggled. It’s the same story in 2025, except opposing defenses are taking away the deep ball and with two high looks and Lagway hasn’t adjusted. He’s struggling to get through his reads, he’s missing receivers, and he’s escaping the pocket too quickly.
But how could he have adjusted? We know he spent most of the offseason injured, dealing with a hamstring, shoulder, and calf. We know he didn’t get live reps against a pass rush until two weeks before Florida’s first game. Those factors are critical in a young quarterback’s development.
Napier has denied any current injury with Lagway, but given his level of play that’s a question that remains unanswered.
There’s been a few pass protection issues, especially in Florida’s last game against Miami. Against LIU, USF, and LSU, Florida protected Lagway well enough to find success deep down the field.
Florida has been without freshman Dallas Wilson, who some around the program believe is already the best wide receiver on the team. But is one player really going to make a difference in this offense? I doubt it. Florida also has plenty of other talent at receiver including deep ball threats J.Michael Sturdivant and Aidan Mizell.
It’s also the play design and lack of vertical routes, which Napier admitted on Monday as part of the problem. We aren’t seeing nearly enough routes that threaten the deep safeties to open up room for other receivers. Too many hitches, curls, and out routes paired with one vertical route, which doesn’t stand a chance against a two high look.
Whether you believe Florida’s struggles are a result of Lagway’s lack of practice, the offensive play design, pass protection, or injuries, one thing is clear: The Gators will struggle to beat anyone with an extreme lack of downfield passing.
Florida ranks 119th in the country and dead last in the SEC in explosive play offense through four weeks.
It’s too early to give up on Lagway. He’s simply too talented. But it’s clear at this point that he’s not comfortable running Florida’s offense. Napier claims they emphasized the vertical passing game during the bye week, but if we don’t see improvements vs. Texas, it may be time for a starting quarterback change.