Florida football's $3.7M star enters fall camp injured, dark cloud looms over Billy Napier

The Florida Gators are shaping up to be one of the more intriguing teams to watch as the 2025 season unfolds. Head coach Billy Napier enters the year squarely on the hot seat, and it’s up to him to prepare the team well enough to potentially save his job. The Athletic’s Seth Emerson included Napier on his preseason hot seat list.

“This seemed over in September, and yet somehow Napier made it, with a spark from DJ Lagway being a big help," wrote Emerson of Napier and the Florida Gators. "Who knows, maybe last season was a turning point. But if the Gators have another rough start — and the first-half schedule is rough — Florida has to decide whether to let Napier, 45, ride it out again.”

Adding to the pressure, Sportsnaut’s Jason Burgos even floated the possibility that legendary coach Nick Saban could be a candidate to replace Napier if the season goes south. But any hope for a turnaround might already be in jeopardy, with star quarterback DJ Lagway appearing in a boot just days before fall camp begins.

“After returning to health this summer, it appears that the former five-star will be limited by a calf injury suffered during a team run last week, causing Lagway to be placed in a boot with two days before the Gators begin fall camp, according to On3's Zach Abolverdi. The news is certainly unwanted for head coach Billy Napier and Florida faithful. However, Lagway's injury isn't considered serious in nature. When the sophomore will return to full strength, though, is unknown at this time,” Sports Illustrated’s JC Shelton wrote.

Just recently, Lagway confidently revealed what he believes is his greatest strength as a quarterback.

“My best attribute as a quarterback is really just — I guess people would say — my aura, confidence and just the way I portray myself on gameday,” Lagway said. “My teammates always joke around and say that I’m a totally different person on gameday. That kinda oozes out of me and it’s great to be able to be that for my guys.”

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While those are excellent qualities for a quarterback to have, they’re hard to demonstrate from the sideline. The Gators will be hoping Lagway can return soon, as he’ll need practice reps to lead the team effectively. For Napier, this is not the kind of start he can afford—especially if an injury-plagued season is already taking shape around his most important player.