DJ Lagway, Florida QB, Under Investigation amid changing coaching shift controversy

DJ Lagway used to be considered as the next big thing in Florida as the quarterback of the team, who could rejuvenate the program and bring the Gators back to the SEC. However, the encouraging increase has been halted half a way into the 2025 season.

His hardships have sparked debates not only on his performance, but also the reason why the team has decided to divorce him with the man who molded his career as quarterback coach.

During the last 5 years, DJ Lagway has been a trainee under the private QB coach, JP Tillman, who took him through high school and assisted with him becoming the 2023 National Gatorade Player of the Year.

DJ Lagway compiled over 10 500 total yards plus 129 touchdowns, and was in the process of becoming one of the most electric high school quarterbacks in recent times under the guidance of Tillman. The latter made him rip the scene in 2024 as he intervened when Graham Mertz was injured and salvaged head coach Billy Napier.

This year has been however different

DJ Lagway went into the offseason with numerous injuries, including a core muscle surgery, hamstring / groin problems, and a chronic shoulder problem. Fretting over his physical condition, Florida took an organizational step: relocate Lagway to train under the same team at Jacksonville as it had worked with Anthony Richardson. Tillman claims that he was practically out of the offseason.

After being cleared, Tillman wrote that he was being trained in a different place, citing that he was now being sidelined after years of practical training.

DJ Lagway has not had a smooth reentry despite his time at a reputable place. He tossed more than 200 passes daily in the initial days of rehab, was injured with a calf in July and did not actually practice to the full until only 10 days prior to the first game of the season. This has been evident in the on-field performance, where there has been an element of instability like inconsistent throws, missed reads and this has been accompanied by a high level of lack of rhythm. He is now rated 15 th among 16 SEC quarterbacks regarding his passer rating.

That has caused increased demands to have Tramell Jones, a freshman, replace. Even Florida legend coach, Steve Spurrier chimed in reminding fans that this practice of replacing a quarterback is not uncommon: you have one guy who is not performing well, you go with the other, said Spurrier.

As Florida requires three additional victories to guarantee a bowl game, interim coach Billy Gonzales faces a choice to make – either remain with Lagway and hope he regains his former self or give the offense to the newcomer.

In any case, it is time to tick in Gainesville.

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