Former Florida QB Sends Strong DJ Lagway Message
It is clear to see that former Florida standout quarterback Rex Grossman, like many, is an admirer of DJ Lagway.
In an interview with CardPlayer's Kyle Odegard, the 2003 first-round NFL Draft pick and nine-year NFL veteran spoke about Lagway's impressive freshman year and what he expects to see in 2025.
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"I just want to see him get even better with all this confidence, knowing that he can play in this league," Grossman said. "He knows he can play in the SEC at a high level, and there's nobody they can't beat."
Lagway appeared in 12 of Florida's 13 games as a freshman last season, including a 6-1 record in seven starts and a bowl-game victory. The former five-star recruit from Willis, Texas threw for over 1,900 yards and 12 touchdowns a year ago, leading to the Football Writers Association of America electing him to its Freshman All-America Team.
Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2).Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
"All the potential is right there for him," Grossman said. "It's such an amazing fanbase, university. Obviously, we're going to have a tough schedule every year, but it starts with the quarterback, and we've got one."
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Entering his sophomore season, Lagway is now the clear-cut starter and has very high expectations, landing in the top 10 of DraftKings' early 2025 Heisman Trophy betting odds.
Grossman, who sported a 23-8 record as a starter in his UF career and won the 2001 AP National Player of the Year award, also touched on Florida head coach Billy Napier, who is entering his fourth year in Gainesville.
"Until you have one of those great seasons, you're always gonna be on the hot seat in a major football organization," he said. "He's had some good seasons, and it's time to have a great one. I don't think it's do-or-die, but he wants it, the team wants it."
UF's head man led the Gators to an 8-5 record in 2024 after consecutive sub-.500 years to start his Florida tenure. Grossman hopes and believes Lagway and Napier can return Florida to its former glory.
Related: Florida Loses Out on Four-Star Safety to In-State Rival
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 25, 2025, where it first appeared.
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