Gators Poised to Roar: Florida Ranked No. 15 in Lindy’s Sports Preseason, DJ Lagway Among Top 25 QBs

As the 2025 college football season approaches, anticipation is building around the Florida Gators. Fresh off a resurgent finish in Billy Napier’s third year at the helm, Florida has earned national respect in Lindy’s Sports’ 2025 National College Football preseason rankings. The Gators checked in at No. 15, a comfortable spot inside the top 25, reflecting both the program’s upward trajectory and the exciting roster returning to Gainesville. Even more thrilling is the recognition of true freshman quarterback DJ Lagway—already singled out by Lindy’s Sports as one of the nation’s top-10 signal-callers in the preseason QB rankings .

A Return to Relevance

After enduring one of the nation’s most challenging schedules in 2024, Florida closed the season on a three-game winning streak, capped by a convincing Gasparilla Bowl victory. Those late-season surges not only salvaged a winning record for the first time since 2020 but also set the stage for higher expectations in 2025. Lindy’s Sports, renowned for its in-depth breakdowns of college programs, weighed Florida’s talent pool, coaching stability, and recruiting haul to slot the Gators at No. 15 nationally. This ranking underscores a belief that UF’s strengths—particularly on the offensive side of the ball—could propel it into the upper echelon of the SEC.

Coaching and Continuity

Head coach Billy Napier has steadily built a competitive environment in Gainesville. After an 8–5 mark in 2024, his third campaign showed growth on both sides of the ball. Offensively, Napier’s pro-style approach began to click down the stretch, securing back-to-back wins over ranked opponents. Defensively, coordinator Austin Armstrong fielded an aggressive 4–2–5 scheme that flashed bend-but-don’t-break potential. With both coordinators returning for 2025 and another full offseason to install their systems, the Gators enter the new year with a level of continuity that often translates into early-season success.

The Offensive Blueprint

DJ Lagway: Phenomenal Freshman

Perhaps the biggest storyline heading into 2025 is the rise of DJ Lagway. A five-star recruit out of Willis, Texas, Lagway enrolled early at Florida and immediately impressed coaches with his arm strength, accuracy, and command of the huddle. Lindy’s Sports didn’t just mention him in passing—they ranked him among their top-10 quarterbacks nationally in the preseason positional rankings . For a true freshman to earn that kind of acclaim speaks volumes about his talent and the trust he has already garnered from Napier and his staff.

Throughout summer workouts and fall camp, Lagway’s tools were on full display: a quick release, the ability to extend plays with his legs, and a remarkable poise under pressure. Even in limited mop-up duty last season, he demonstrated the knack for making explosive throws downfield, something that could unlock Florida’s deep-threat arsenal in 2025. Expect Napier to give him ample opportunities to showcase those skills, while still maintaining a balanced approach that features the running game and tight ends.

A Ground Game Ready to Grind

Complementing Lagway’s arm is a backfield led by Jadan Baugh. The powerful running back established himself as a workhorse in 2024, consistently breaking tackles and wearing down SEC defenses. His downhill running style meshes perfectly with Florida’s offensive line, which returns two of its starters for the upcoming season. Coach Napier has emphasized the importance of physical football, and with Baugh handling early-down carries, the offense should maintain a punishing identity between the tackles.

Three other backs will compete for touches, offering a mix of speed and change-of-pace ability. Redshirt sophomores and tried-and-true veterans alike will vie for reps on third downs, ensuring that Florida’s backfield remains fresh and explosive late in games.

Skill Position Weapons

Beyond the backfield and quarterback room, Florida boasts a talented collection of receivers. Transfer addition J. Michael Sturdivant arrives from UCLA to pair with returning star Tre Wilson. Sturdivant’s contested-catch prowess and Wilson’s agility in space give Lagway two reliable targets on every down. A stable of slot receivers and tight ends rounds out the group, providing versatile options in the passing game. Tight ends in particular will play a key role, as their ability to block in the run game and slip out for routes enhances the pro-style offense’s flexibility.

Defensive Depth and Disruption

On the other side of the ball, defensive tackle Caleb Banks anchors a rebuilt interior. Banks, a three-year starter, teams up with incoming freshman LJ McCray to form a disruptive duo that can collapse pockets and clear lanes for edge rushers. Speaking of which, Tyreak Sapp returns on the edge after a 7.5-sack season, and the Gators added depth through recruiting and the transfer portal. A rotation-heavy front-seven strategy keeps players fresh, enabling Florida to maintain its aggressiveness from whistle to whistle.

The secondary boasts playmakers with size and range. While dealing with injuries late in 2024, the defensive backs showed promise against big-play threats. With a healthy offseason and more reps in the system, the secondary could ascend into one of the nation’s more reliable groups. Lindy’s Sports pointed to this defensive upside as one of the reasons Florida cracked their preseason top 15 .

The SEC Gauntlet

Slotting Florida at No. 15 nationally also reflects the gauntlet that is the SEC. Georgia, Texas, and Alabama headline the conference, but just behind that trio lies a logjam of SEC teams capable of 10-win seasons. Mississippi State’s transfer splash, LSU’s veteran quarterback, and Auburn’s defensive resurgence all present obstacles. Florida’s schedule features road trips to Mississippi State and Kentucky, as well as marquee home dates against Georgia and Ole Miss. Success in those matchups will not only solidify a top-15 finish but could vault the Gators into contention for the SEC East crown.

X-Factors and Breakout Candidates

• Freshmen Impact: Alongside Lagway, multiple freshmen signees are poised to earn early playing time. A pair of four-star cornerbacks and a defensive end prospect could contribute immediately, adding youthful energy to both units.
• Special Teams: Florida’s special teams units quietly improved in 2024. With a dynamic return man and a placekicker who connected on critical field goals, UF can flip field position at pivotal moments.
• Injury Management: Staying healthy will be paramount. Depth charts look strong, but lengthening injury lists could test Florida’s reserves, especially in the trenches.
• In-Game Adjustments: Napier’s ability to adapt midgame will be tested against SEC coaching heavyweights. How quickly Florida responds to adversity—turnovers, second-half deficits, key injuries—will likely define the season’s narrative.

Expectations and Benchmarks

To exceed Lindy’s No. 15 ranking, Florida must consistently win in conference play, capturing at least four SEC victories. A 10–2 regular season would almost certainly vault the Gators into the top 10 nationally, setting up a New Year’s Six bowl berth. Milestone benchmarks include:

1. Two wins over ranked opponents
2. A winning record in true road games
3. Top-25 finish in both offensive and defensive statistical categories

Reaching those marks would signal that Florida has firmly returned to the upper tier of college football.

Conclusion: A Season of Roaring Potential

Basking in the glow of a preseason No. 15 ranking by Lindy’s Sports, the Florida Gators stand at the threshold of their most promising era since the Urban Meyer dynasty. With a veteran coaching staff, a balanced offense brimming with talent, and a defense primed for disruptive play, the pieces are in place for a breakthrough 2025 campaign. Yet the true spark lies with DJ Lagway—a freshman who already commands respect as one of the nation’s top quarterback prospects. If Lagway’s early-season performances match the lofty expectations, and the Gators harness their depth and motivation, a season of real roar could be just around the corner.

Florida fans have reason to dream big. The preseason rankings have spoken—No. 15 is only the beginning.