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DJ Lagway, Jadan Baugh named to preseason watch lists for prestigious awards

On3 imageby: Keith Niebuhr07/31/25On3Keith
DJ-Lagway-Jadan-Baugh-Florida-Gators
Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) hands the ball to Florida Gators running back Jadan Baugh (13) against the Kentucky Wildcats during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. (Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

The hype train for Florida Gators sophomores DJ Lagway and Jadan Baugh continued Thursday when each player was named to the watch list for a prestigious national award. For Lagway, it was the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Award. Meanwhile, Baugh got Paul Hornung Award recognition.

The Wuerffel Trophy Award was created by Gator QB great Danny Wuerffel and his foundation. It goes to, per a UF release, “the college football player that is a leader in the field of community service during their time in college. The selection requirements include a GPA above 3.0, first team player at FBS, and must participate in community service that is sustained, measurable and documented.”

DJ Lagway had a promising freshman season in 2024

Last season, as a true freshman, Lagway flashed his potential by passing for 1,915 yards, 12 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. He played a pivotal role in helping Florida finish 8–5 [with four straight wins to close the season]. He started seven games (most after veteran quarterback Graham Mertz was lost for the season with a torn ACL), going 6–1.

To cap the season, Lagway became the Gasparilla Bowl’s first 300-yard passer and for his efforts he was named the game’s MVP. Lagway was named to the FWAA Freshman All-American Team, an ESPN Freshman All-American, a 247Sports True Freshman All-American, an On3 True Freshman Al-American, a PFF True Freshman All-American, the CFN Freshman Quarterback of the Year, a CFN Freshman All-American and earned an SEC Freshman of the Week honor following his game against LSU.

He’s also making a difference off the field.

According to the UF release, “During his time at Florida, Lagway has become involved in several forms of community service in the Gainesville and Alachua County area. These organizations include Education Foundation, Alachua Habitat for Humanity, Made for More, SWAG (Southwest Advocacy Group), Ronald McDonald House, Special Olympics, Food4Kids, Balance 180 and Feeding Tampa Bay for a total of 38 hours.

Lagway has also committed several hours to his own foundation called the DJ Lagway Foundation in which he partnered with UF Health to provide resources and opportunities for underprivileged kids to achieve their goals and access necessary resources. Through this foundation UF Health is able to support community programs like wellness drives, health screenings and physical education outreach.”

Baugh also had a memorable first season at UF

As for Baugh … the Paul Hornung Award is given to the most versatile player in college football and is named after the former Notre Dame All-American and Heisman Trophy winner. Baugh was a freshman All-SEC choice in 2024 after leading the team in rushing yards (673) and total touchdowns (eight) while averaging 5.1 yards per carry.

Additionally, UF noted with Baugh, “Baugh averaged 5.1 yards per carry and tied Trey Burton (2010) and Tim Tebow (2007) for the program record of five rushing touchdowns in his first start against Kentucky. His performance against Kentucky is also the most touchdowns made by a Gator in their first-career start.”

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