Paul Finebaum Names Best Freshman Quarterback in College Football

Things are not looking good for the Florida Gators and head coach Billy Napier. After consecutive losing seasons, Napier could be on the hot seat if there isn't significant improvement this season.

Napier inherited a program with two losing seasons since 2014, with one in 2021, the year before he arrived. However, he hasn't made any improvements. Florida had a 6-7 record in year 1 under Napier and a 5-7 record in year 2. This was the first time since 2017 that Florida didn't make a bowl game.

However, ESPN's Paul Finebaum is optimistic about the Gators, citing Napier's successful recruiting and highlighting five-star quarterback D.J. Lagway, who he calls the best freshman quarterback in the country.

"When you look at what he's tried to do, I think he has filled in some of the gaps," Finebaum said. "He's brought in enormous talent. I think getting D.J. was a big offseason acquisition when you consider he very well may be the best quarterback in the country."

Lagway was ranked as the No. 2 overall player in the 2024 recruiting class and was considered the top quarterback by consensus. According to 247Sports , Lagway is a dual-threat quarterback with immense potential, attributed to his uncommon athletic build and innate arm talent.

They feel he showed potential for growth as a passer as he significantly improved in nearly every significant statistical category during his senior year. Additionally, he led his high school team to its best finish in over 60 years. He is also seen as a quarterback who could develop into an early NFL Draft pick due to his ability to throw the ball effectively and make big plays with his legs.

Ultimately, the experts concluded that he will likely need a year or two of development before he's ready to play on Saturdays. This situation is ideal for Florida, especially since the starting quarterback, Graham Mertz, has returned for his final season. Lagway's talent, combined with Mertz's impending departure, is why Finebaum insinuated there's no doubt that Lagway is the program's future.

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