DJ Lagway shares how Florida introduced him to Florida State rivalry

There are few rivalries as emotionally charged as the one between the Florida Gators and the Florida State Seminoles. It’s a rivalry that quarterback DJ Lagway was thrown into his freshman season but one he’s already passionate about.

Lagway recently made an appearance on Outta Pocket with RGIII. There, he explained that the Florida program puts a lot of emphasis on the tradition and rivalries when players first get to campus. That’s how he was introduced to the rivalry.

“Coming in they give you a little seminar about all the rivalries,” DJ Lagway said. “Like an hour or two video about different rivalries. Different moments of the games and stuff. So, it gets you real fired up. So, I’ve got a deep hatred for Florida State.”

Initially, DJ Lagway was expected to backup Graham Mertz in 2024. However, when Mertz went down for the season with an injury, Lagway was thrown into the fire as a freshman. There, he flashed the talent that made him a sought-after recruit. That included in the game against Florida State when Lagway completed 14 of 22 pass attempts for 133 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. That came in a game the Gators won 31-11.

The win over Florida State was the first win for the Gators in this series since 2021. In the all-time series, Florida now has a record of 38-28-2 against the Seminoles. Along the way have come some of the great and iconic moments in college football history. That includes the Choke at Doak, when they were ranked first and second in 1996, and the 1997 Sugar Bowl.

Florida, of course, has other iconic rivalries within the SEC, but the one with Florida State is special. That’s in no small part because the two programs have traditionally recruited the same players.

DJ Lagway: We’re gonna have the best o-line in America

Going into the 2025 season, DJ Lagway knows it’s important to take another step forward. Having improved offensive line play could be a major factor in that and it’s exactly what Lagway is expecting.

“I say the O-line. We got everybody coming back. I think the O-line is going to be the best in America,” Lagway said. “Everybody is coming back. I think we’re just missing one but everybody else is returners. It’s going to click right away. I’m excited. It’s going to be good.”

After an up-and-down 2024, there is pressure on Florida going into the 2025 season. Now, Lagway knows it’s going to largely fall on his shoulders to live up to the massive expectations being placed on his shoulders.