Florida Starting QB for Week 2: Who will start for Billy Napier against Samford?

Florida opened the 2024 college football season with a disappointing home loss against in-state rival Miami. The Gators were defeated 41-17 by the Hurricanes in Gainesville, casting further doubt on the success of the program this season.

The team also lost its starting quarterback Graham Mertz to concussion in the second half of the season opener last Saturday. This will see a new quarterback start for Florida in it's Week 2 game against Samford. Here’s a look at the potential replacement for Mertz.

Which quarterback will start for Florida against Samford?

NCAA Football: Miami at Florida - Source: Imagn

True freshman DJ Lagway is expected to be the starting quarterback for Florida in the Week 2 game against Samford. The five-star recruit replaced Graham Mertz in the opening game against Miami and saw limited action to round up the game.

Against the Hurricane, Lagway completed 3 of 6 passes for 31 yards while throwing one interception. He also rushed 20 yards in four carries in his college football debut. The Gators coach Billy Napier already has a lot of confidence in him.

“I think he did a lot of good things, in particular, the second drive there we got to some things where he had success,” Napier said. “Threw some great individual cuts, some good movement passes, made a few plays with his feet. I thought the players around him played well.

“It’s good. One of the positives was he had some success, and we were able to go down and score a touchdown with him in the game. Obviously, he’s a young player, but he’ll continue to work and improve. He’s got a bright future.”

DJ Lagway has earned the respect of his teammates

With his performance in the spring and fall camp, DJ Lagway has made his talent evident to his Florida teammates, earning their respect. Following his debut for the Gators, many are expressing their confidence in him.

“I was super proud of DJ,” senior wide receiver Chimere Dike said after the game on Saturday. “To step in that spot is not easy, and the way he continued to compete for four quarters shows the kind of character he has, and I’ve seen that since day one with him.

“He’s a guy who does things the right way, who works super hard and obviously, is super talented, as well… I wasn’t surprised to see him moving the offense and having success.”

Prior to the Week 1 game against Miami, the Gators' legendary quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow also raved about DJ Lagway’s talent. All of this has given the quarterback a huge opportunity to establish himself and succeed in Gainesville.