Texas Football’s Fate Hangs in the Balance: Will DJ Lagway’s Injury Strike Twice?

Last November, the Longhorns were steamrolling toward a potential SEC title game berth when the Florida Gators rolled into Austin, bringing a storm that never quite materialized. Why? Their star quarterback, DJ Lagway, was sidelined with an injury, turning what could’ve been a nail-biter into a 49-17 stroll for Texas. Fast forward to 2025, and whispers around Lagway’s health are buzzing again—this time he’s been spotted sporting a boot, nursing another niggle just as the Gators struggle to find their footing in a sluggish 1-3 start. Once a front-runner for the Heisman Trophy, Lagway’s season has been marred by interceptions and setbacks, leaving fans to wonder: Will he be ready when the Longhorns head to Gainesville on October 4? The stakes are high, the hopes fragile, and history might just repeat itself yet again. LEARN MORE

Last year, as the Longhorns fought for a spot in the SEC title game, the Florida Gators came to Austin in November. What could have been a tricky game against a team on the rise, instead became a fairly routine 49-17 win because Florida‘s star QB DJ Lagway was injured. Something similar could happen this year.

Lagway has been spotted this week wearing a boot to treat an undisclosed injury. While Lagway has struggled some for the Gators this year, the expectations for his 2025 campaign were though the roof. (Sound familiar?) Lagway entered the season as one of the primary preseason favorites to win the Heisman Trophy.

But Florida is off to a dreadful 1-3 start that includes losses to LSU, Miami and (most concerning) South Florida. Lagway has not played to his hype, completing just 67% of his passes. He has more interceptions than touchdowns and he threw an astounding five interceptions against USF.

The Willis, TX native’s 2024 was full of promise, but also filled with injuries. “He’s battled. He’s battled. He’s a young player. He’s had a unique offseason, and he’s battling his tail off to try to do his job for his teammates,” Florida head coach Billy Napier said of Lagway after Florida’s 26-7 loss to Miami on Saturday.

The Gators QB has probably been fighting through an injury all season. Back in July, he was wearing the boot to treat a calf sprain. Lagway was limited in fall camp. He also was injured for spring training camp for the third year in a row.

Will Lagway be ready in less than two weeks when the Longhorns travel to Gainesville on Oct. 4? It’s too early to tell. The Florida training staff seems optimistic about his return for the Texas game. Both team are on bye weeks.