Joel Klatt maps path for DJ Lagway’s Heisman Trophy hopes

Highly-touted freshman quarterback DJ Lagway started the final seven games of the 2024 season for Florida following a season-ending injury to Graham Mertz. He excelled in this role, as he led the Gators to a 5-2 record with ranked victories over No. 22 LSU and No. 9 Ole Miss. In what was an extremely successful first season of college football, the Willis, TX native totaled 1,915 passing yards, 12 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

His strong first impression on the college football landscape has led to high expectations for his sophomore season. Although he has dealt with lingering injuries throughout the offseason, many have tabbed Lagway as a potential Heisman Trophy dark horse.

FOX Sports’ Joel Klatt broke down Lagway’s potential path to the Heisman Trophy on the Aug. 26 edition of “The Joel Klatt Show.”

“So (DJ) Lagway is +2500 or 25-1. At this point, you have to understand that we know DJ Lagway is very good,” Klatt said. “Last year, they were 6-1 with him as a starter and that one loss he left in the first half against Georgia. So when he’s on the field, this is an elite team. If he stays healthy, even with an atrocious schedule, you would think that they would be right there with possible eight, nine or 10 wins. If they get to 10 wins with that schedule, it will be because of DJ Lagway.”

If Florida gets to 10 wins, Lagway will be in New York per Klatt

“If they get to 10 with that schedule and Lagway is playing well, guess where he’s gonna be. New York. The hype surrounding Lagway will be tremendous. They’ll have massive wins, in particular in some of those matchups that you know are gonna be primetime affairs down in the SEC schedule. If they are good, this is a great value. Florida, to make the Playoff, is basically +310. Basically 3-1. So if you’re telling me Florida is 3-1 to make the Playoff yet Lagway is 25-1 to win the Heisman, think of it this way. He’s probably the Heisman. So again, great value right there. I love that.”

The Gators are projected to finish sixth in the SEC (T-highest preseason ranking since 2022) and open the 2025 season ranked No. 15 in the AP Poll (highest preseason ranking since they opened at No. 13 in 2021).

“When he was on the field, he was transformative last year for Billy Napier,” Klatt concluded. “I think he can do largely that again, but it’s gonna be a health issue. I don’t love that he constantly is nicked up and not practicing here and there and has soft tissue issues, but when he’s healthy man. This team and this player is something I really like.”

Florida opens its 2025 season at home against Long Island University on Aug. 30. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM on ESPN+/SEC Network+.