Florida freshman QB DJ Lagway is set to make his first career start while Graham Mertz is still in concussion protocol

Florida freshman DJ Lagway will make his first career start against Samford on Saturday, 247Sports reports. The news comes as starting signal-caller Graham Mertz remains in concussion protocol due to an injury suffered during last weekend’s 41-17 loss to Miami.

Lagway played on Florida’s final three series and completed 3 of 6 for 31 yards and an interception. He also showed flashes in limited action of his dynamic two-way ability, rushing for 20 yards on four attempts.

“It’s been a lot of fun,” Florida coach Billy Napier said Wednesday during the SEC weekly teleconference. “D.J.’s attitude is great, obviously. He’s excited, he gets a chance to play on Saturday for the first time in his career. Just getting feedback on it and now understanding what it’s like as a competitor. So far, all good. I thought he did a lot of good things (on Tuesday) and it’s great to see the other guys rally around him. But, yeah, it’s definitely a positive for him to be able to capitalize on those performances with the first team.”

Lagway, the top-ranked quarterback and No. 3 overall player in the 2024 recruiting cycle according to 247Sports, entered this season as Mertz’s backup. At 6-foot-3, 239 pounds, Lagway is a true dual threat who is capable of providing a different look for Florida’s offense and could see extended action depending on the severity of Mertz’s injury.

The Willis, Texas native committed to Florida early in the recruiting cycle and remained firm on his commitment despite rumors of him flipping during the early signing period last December. Lagway committed to Florida over USC, Texas A&M and Baylor, among others.

Florida is entering a crucial season under Napier after going 5-7 during the 2023 campaign. Florida will play Samford at home on Sept. 7 before facing Texas A&M in its first SEC game.