As the PCFB regular season concludes, one name has clearly separated itself from the rest in the Heisman Trophy race — Florida quarterback DJ Lagway. With just one week remaining before final voting, Lagway has surged to the top of the leaderboard, putting together one of the most dynamic and complete seasons in recent memory while leading the Florida Gators to a top-5 national ranking and a spot in the College Football Playoff.
It’s been a season defined by poise, power, and precision. The sophomore signal-caller from Willis, Texas, has been the engine behind Florida’s offensive explosion, combining elite passing efficiency with game-breaking mobility. His numbers tell the story of a player in total command of the game: 302 completions on 422 attempts for 3,558 yards, 33 touchdowns, and just 6 interceptions. Add in 978 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns on 130 carries, and you have a player who’s not just in the Heisman conversation — he’s controlling it.
A Season of Consistency and Clutch Performances
What separates Lagway from his competition isn’t just the gaudy stats — it’s when he delivers. Time and again this season, Lagway has risen to the moment in high-pressure games. From his fourth-quarter heroics in the comeback win over Ole Miss, to his efficient dominance in the rivalry victory against Florida State, Lagway has played his best football when the Gators have needed him most.
Against Ole Miss, Lagway rallied the Gators from a 14-point deficit in the second half, scoring the game-winning touchdown with just seven seconds left on the clock. That performance solidified his reputation as one of college football’s most clutch players. Then, just weeks later, in the rivalry finale against No. 11 Florida State, Lagway led the Gators to a commanding 49-27 win, accounting for four total touchdowns and sealing Florida’s spot among the nation’s elite.
Every week, Lagway has shown command of head coach Billy Napier’s offense, mixing quick decision-making with the ability to improvise when plays break down. His blend of arm talent and mobility has made the Gators nearly impossible to defend.
Efficiency at an Elite Level
Perhaps the most impressive part of Lagway’s Heisman campaign is how efficiently he’s produced. A 71.6% completion rate, nearly 8.4 yards per attempt, and only six interceptions on 422 passes speak to a quarterback who’s not just explosive — he’s disciplined.
While many dual-threat quarterbacks lean heavily on their legs, Lagway has evolved into a true dual weapon. His reads have improved dramatically from his freshman season, and his ability to distribute the ball to Florida’s deep receiver room has kept defenses guessing.
Offensive coordinator Ryan O’Hara recently praised Lagway’s maturity, noting that “DJ sees the field like a veteran. He’s not forcing things — he’s dictating the game. That’s the difference between a good quarterback and a Heisman quarterback.”
Ground Game Greatness
While Lagway’s arm has been deadly, his legs remain a nightmare for defenses. His 978 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns have not only padded his Heisman résumé but also kept Florida’s offense balanced and unpredictable.
Lagway’s power-running style has drawn comparisons to Cam Newton’s Auburn days — strong enough to break tackles, but with the speed to turn the corner and the vision to pick his spots. Whether it’s designed quarterback draws or improvisation under pressure, Lagway’s rushing ability has been the difference in several key moments this season.
Defensive coordinators have struggled all year to find an answer. Sell out to stop the run, and Lagway will pick apart the secondary. Drop extra defenders into coverage, and he’ll gash you with his legs. It’s that dual-threat mastery that makes him such a nightmare — and such a convincing Heisman favorite.
Team Success Amplifies the Case
The Heisman Trophy is an individual award, but team success matters — and Lagway’s leadership has been central to Florida’s rise. The Gators entered the season with playoff aspirations, and Lagway has delivered on every front. Florida has navigated one of the toughest schedules in the nation, taking down multiple ranked opponents en route to a top-5 finish and a chance at both an SEC title and a national championship run.
In games where Florida’s offense sputtered early, Lagway has always found a way to ignite the team — either through a big passing strike or a momentum-changing scramble. His leadership, composure, and energy have made him the heartbeat of the program.
The Final Push
With the regular season now in the books, Lagway’s Heisman campaign enters its final chapter — the playoffs. While the voting window looms just a week away, every additional snap gives him a chance to strengthen his case.
The postseason will test him once more against elite competition, but it also gives Lagway a platform to lock in the most prestigious individual honor in college football. If he continues playing at his current level, voters may have little choice but to engrave his name on the trophy.
Historical Context
If Lagway captures the Heisman, he’ll not only join an elite fraternity of players but also redefine what it means to be a modern dual-threat quarterback. His blend of passing precision and rushing production places him alongside legends like Lamar Jackson, Kyler Murray, and Cam Newton — all of whom used their versatility to capture college football’s top prize.
And Lagway’s numbers stand tall even in that group. His current totals of 4,536 total yards and 49 total touchdowns(through the regular season alone) would already rank among the best single-season outputs in school history — and he’s not done yet.
Conclusion: The Heisman Is His to Lose
As the nation’s eyes turn toward the final week of Heisman voting, one thing feels increasingly clear — DJ Lagway has taken the lead, and it may be difficult for anyone to catch him.
He’s been electric, efficient, and endlessly entertaining. He’s led Florida back into national contention. And most importantly, he’s done it with the consistency, leadership, and confidence of a true Heisman winner.
If Lagway continues his dominance in the playoff run, he won’t just be remembered as the best player of this season — he’ll be remembered as one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever wear the orange and blue.
DJ Lagway: The Heisman is calling — and he’s answered all season long.
