“Feels like too tall a task”: CFB insider minces no words while discussing DJ Lagway’s Heisman Trophy chances

Florida quarterback DJ Lagway is coming off a freshman All-American season after going 6-1 as the Gators starter and recording 1,915 yards for 12 touchdowns. He gave the program’s fans something to believe in after Graham Mertz went down midseason. Lagway immediately got to work, helping Florida win five of its last six games in 2024.

But if he wants to win the Heisman Trophy, the path is much harder this year because the team has one of the toughest schedules. Florida’s 2025 slate includes games against LSU and Georgia, home games against Texas and Ole Miss, and rivalry showdowns with Miami, Tennessee and Florida State. That’s seven games against ranked teams, and very few breaks in between.

Discussing this stretch, college football insider CJ Vogel assessed Lagway’s Heisman chances on X on Tuesday.

“For DJ Lagway’s Heisman chances, you’d think UF would have to go at least 5-2 in that stretch,” Vogel wrote. “Feels like too tall a task for this year’s Gators team.”

CJ Vogel

@CJVogel_OTF

LINK

@ LSU

@ Miami (Fl.)

vs. Texas

@ Georgia

@ Ole Miss

vs. Tennessee

vs. Florida State

For DJ Lagway Heisman chances, you’d think UF would have to go at least 5–2 in that stretch. Feels like too tall a task for *this* year’s Gators team.

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DJ Lagway's chances of winning the Heisman Trophy

DJ Lagway is listed among the top contenders by oddsmakers, with BetOnline giving him +1100 odds, behind Arch Manning and Drew Allar.

Florida is ranked No. 15 in the country to start the 2025 season, according to Lindy’s Sports. A big reason for this ranking is Lagway, who is ranked as the No. 7 quarterback.

After two easier games to start the year, Florida and DJ Lagway will go up against three teams (that are ranked above the Gators) in a row: LSU (ranked No. 5), Miami (No. 10) and Texas (No. 1).

The good news is that Lagway has talent around him on both offense and defense. Wide receivers J. Michael Sturdivant and Dallas Wilson will give him good speed and size on the outside. Four starters return on the offensive line and running back Jadan Baugh is back as well.

On defense, the Gators have Myles Graham who will lead a faster unit under a new 4-2-5 scheme. Defensive backs Devin Moore, Jordan Castell and Bryce Thornton have good experience in the secondary as well.