DJ Lagway injury: Florida QB carted off field vs. Georgia in 2nd quarter

Florida quarterback DJ Lagway left Saturday’s game against Georgia on a cart in the second quarter. He appeared to grab his left hamstring after a play with 5:01 to go in the first half.

Lagway took a designed run for three yards before going down at the 28-yard line, but immediately grabbed his left leg after the play. The cart then came out, as did his teammates, and he left the field. Aidan Warner came in to replace him.

Lagway was starting in place of the injured Graham Mertz after arriving on campus as a highly rated recruit this year. In seven appearances this year, he has completed 62.8% of his passes for 1,024 yards and five touchdowns.

At the time of his injury, Lagway looked impressive as Florida took an early lead on No. 2-ranked Georgia. He completed 2-of-6 passes for 47 yards, including a 43-yard touchdown pass to Aidan Mizell to capitalize on Carson Beck’s first interception of the day. Lagway also added 18 rushing yards before his departure.

DJ Lagway arrived in Gainesville as a Five Star Plus+ prospect, meaning he was one of the only players ranked by all four major recruiting media companies as a five star. He was the No. 3 overall player from the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

When setting expectations for Lagway in the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party rivalry game against Georgia, Billy Napier pointed out what his experience as a freshman could mean on such a big stage. Considering the strength of Florida’s schedule, Napier said Lagway’s preparation could pay off.

“Playing him, I think, in every game has allowed, has made for a preparation that becomes real. Like, I’m going out there. He’s been able to do that each week,” Napier said. “I think that helps. We’ve played several Top-10 teams so far this year. Obviously, last week or two weeks ago was his first SEC start.”