Florida starting QB (Week 8): Who will start for Billy Napier's team against Kentucky?

On Saturday, Florida (3-3, 1-2 Southeastern Conference) will play against Kentucky (3-3, 1-3) at home. Gators coach Billy Napier hopes to lead his team to victory after their 23-17 overtime defeat to the No. 11-ranked Tennessee Volunteers last weekend. Napier will have DJ Lagway starting as quarterback to run the offense.

Lagway stepped up late in the Gators' Week 7 loss after starting QB Graham Mertz suffered a non-contact ACL injury in the third quarter. The freshman completed a touchdown pass to Chimere Dike in the fourth quarter which sent the game to overtime. Although Florida lost, Lagway showed that he can lead the team.

Billy Napier on the excitement around DJ Lagway's quarterback progression

Napier shared during his press conference on Monday the unfortunate news that Mertz will be out for the rest of the season. He also confirmed that Lagway will be the new starting QB, with Paul Kessler as the backup option. He then talked about the excitement around Lagway's progression as a QB.

"I think there's some excitement in terms of DJ and what he's been able to accomplish thus far," Napier said. "And I think he'll be much more prepared having started a game, but having also played in each game this season, so we'll be a little further along because of that investment and I do think he'll benefit from taking all the first team reps the entire week."

Lagway has recorded 765 passing yards and five touchdowns this season. He'll have to be mindful of turning the ball over, as he also has four interceptions. However, Napier believes Lagway will be ready to help lead the Gators against the Wildcats.

College Football Week 8: How to watch Kentucky vs. Florida? TV Channel and live stream details

The Kentucky vs. Florida game will air live on the SEC Network at 7:45 p.m. ET. Fans can also watch the game through a TV package with YouTube TV, Fubo, Sling TV, and Hulu Live TV.

• Date: Oct. 19, 2025
• Time: 7:45 p.m. ET/4:45 p.m. PT
• TV Channel: SEC Network
• Live Stream: YouTube TV, Fubo, Sling TV, and Hulu Live TV
• Venue: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium

Fans looking to attend the game can purchase tickets at resell prices on Ticketmaster.

Florida schedule for the 2024 season

The Florida Gators have seven games left this season. Here is their schedule:

• Oct.19: vs. Kentucky
• Oct 26: Open week
• Nov 2: vs. No. 5 Georgia
• Nov 9: @ Texas
• Nov 16: vs. No. 8 LSU
• Nov 23: vs. No. 18 Ole Miss
• Nov 30: @ Florida State