BEST: Josh Pate ranks Florida Gators’ DJ Lagway as the best quarterback in the SEC.

DJ Lagway Earns Title of SEC’s Best Quarterback from Josh Pate: Florida Gators’ Freshman Phenom Draws National Praise

In a stunning yet earned endorsement, Josh Pate, one of college football’s most respected analysts and host of Late Kick Live, has declared Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway the best quarterback in the SEC heading into the 2025 season. The proclamation sent shockwaves across the Southeastern Conference and solidified the young star’s status as one of the most electrifying talents in college football.

Lagway, a true freshman, has yet to start a regular-season SEC game—but that hasn’t stopped the hype. After a dominant spring and an eye-opening performance during Florida’s spring game, Lagway has caught the attention of scouts, fans, and analysts alike. Pate’s declaration wasn’t just a hot take—it was backed by film study, insider buzz, and undeniable potential.

“DJ Lagway has everything you want in a modern quarterback,” Pate said. “Arm strength, athleticism, command of the offense, leadership… and he’s already ahead of the curve as a true freshman. He’s that guy.”

The Gators have desperately needed a star under center since the departure of Anthony Richardson, and now it appears they’ve found their answer. Lagway’s blend of dual-threat ability and poise under pressure has given head coach Billy Napier a massive boost as he enters a pivotal season in Gainesville.

At 6-foot-3 and 235 pounds, Lagway boasts a prototypical build. But it’s his football IQ that sets him apart. During Florida’s spring practices, he not only showed elite mechanics but also demonstrated the rare ability to read complex defensive coverages—a skill typically developed later in a college QB’s career.

“He’s got the mind of a veteran,” one Florida assistant coach told reporters. “We threw the whole playbook at him, and he absorbed it faster than anyone we’ve ever had.”

The praise from Pate carries weight. Known for avoiding hyperbole, Pate has built a reputation as one of the most grounded and respected voices in the college football media landscape. For him to label Lagway as the best quarterback in a conference filled with seasoned starters speaks volumes.

“Look around the SEC,” Pate said on his show. “There are good quarterbacks, sure. But there’s only one with everything—and that’s DJ Lagway.”

Lagway’s path to Gainesville was closely followed. A five-star recruit from Texas, he turned down offers from Alabama, Georgia, and USC to join Napier’s rebuilding project at Florida. His commitment was seen as a cornerstone moment for the Gators’ 2024 recruiting class.

Now, just months into his collegiate career, Lagway is already validating the hype. In the Orange and Blue spring game, he completed 21 of 27 passes for 315 yards and three touchdowns—while rushing for another score. Fans immediately took to social media, calling it the most exciting quarterback debut since Tim Tebow.

Beyond the stats, what stood out was his leadership. Lagway could be seen rallying teammates, correcting alignments, and calmly guiding his offense against an aggressive Gators defense. His command was unmistakable.

“He already feels like the face of the team,” said Florida wide receiver Eugene Wilson III. “He walks in with confidence, but not arrogance. You want to go to battle for a guy like that.”

Despite being a freshman, Lagway has already been named a team captain—a rare move that reflects how much he has impressed coaches and players alike. Napier has stated repeatedly that Lagway’s maturity is “beyond his years.”

With Lagway now projected as Florida’s Week 1 starter, expectations are soaring. The Gators open the season against in-state rival Miami, and all eyes will be on No. 2 as he takes the field for his official college debut. ESPN is expected to feature the matchup prominently, especially with Lagway now being touted as the SEC’s top QB.

What makes Pate’s assessment even more intriguing is how it may reshape national narratives. For years, Florida has been chasing relevance in a conference dominated by Georgia and Alabama. With Lagway at the helm, they may finally have the offensive firepower to compete.

Recruiting has already seen a ripple effect. High school prospects have publicly praised Florida’s new offensive direction under Lagway, and the Gators’ 2026 recruiting class is on pace to finish top five nationally.

Some pundits have begun comparing Lagway to Cam Newton, Lamar Jackson, and Jalen Hurts—quarterbacks who combined physical dominance with mental precision. While such comparisons are lofty, Lagway has already shown flashes that justify the hype.

“I don’t want to crown anyone too early,” Pate said. “But if he stays healthy and continues this trajectory, we’re talking about a future Heisman candidate and top NFL draft pick.”

For now, Lagway is focused on improvement. When asked about the praise from Josh Pate, he responded humbly: “It means a lot, but I haven’t done anything yet. I want to earn everything on the field. I’m just getting started.”

Whether it’s preseason buzz or a true breakout in the making, one thing is clear—DJ Lagway has arrived. And according to Josh Pate, he’s not just the next big thing in Gainesville—he’s the best quarterback in the SEC.