Paul Finebaum declares the best freshman quarterback in 2024 and it's not Dylan Raiola

ESPN’s Paul Finebaum has named the best freshman quarterback for 2024, and it’s not who fans might expect. While Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola was a top recruit, Finebaum crowned Florida Gators’ DJ Lagway as the standout.

Despite Raiola's impressive senior year at Buford High School, where he threw for 2,666 yards, 34 touchdowns and one interception, Lagway has stolen the spotlight. Finebaum praised Lagway as the nation’s No. 1 freshman quarterback and Florida’s most celebrated recruit since Tim Tebow (via Athlon Sports):

"When you look at what he's tried to do, I think he has filled in some of the gaps," Finebaum said. "He's brought in enormous talent. I think getting DJ [Lagway] was a big offseason acquisition when you consider he very well may be the best quarterback in the country."

Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (Image Credit: IMAGN)

Lagway’s 2023 season stats of 4,604 passing yards, 58 touchdowns, eight interceptions, a 72.1% completion rate and 975 rushing yards helped lead his team to a 12-1 record. As an Under Armour All-American and early enrollee at Florida, Lagway is already making history.

On the other hand, Raiola, whose family has deep Nebraska ties, finished as the No. 21 overall prospect and the No. 3 quarterback for 2024. He still has a shot at being a Day 1 starter.

Paul Finebaum emphasizes Gators' opener against Miami as key

Coach Billy Napier's time with the Florida Gators has yet to bring a winning season, making this year crucial for his future in Gainesville. The Gators' opener against Miami is key according to the analyst, with their schedule ranked as the toughest in the SEC by Sports Illustrated.

"The first game is going to tell everything," Finebaum said. "Should they get by, and remember this is a team that beat Utah a couple of years ago, and everybody thought it would be great, and it wasn't. Can they get by Miami?"

Finebaum also believes the Gators have talent and a strong quarterback. Freshman quarterback DJ Lagway, in a chat with Gators Wire, expressed optimism for 2024:

“I think we’ll definitely have over a .500 record,” Lagway said. “I feel like we have enough leaders, enough veterans and enough young guys to get this thing going and to continue the winning tradition. You know, I feel like we’re going to get it back going and I’m excited for the season.”

The Florida Gators aim to break its streak of three losing seasons, hoping for a turnaround this year.