USF HC Alex Golesh has high praise for Gators QB DJ Lagway, and it could end up being his downfall

DJ Lagway’s generational talent could be South Florida’s downfall on Saturday.

Tyler Forness NFL & College Football News Writer
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Aug 30, 2025; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) breaks a tackle against the Long Island Sharks during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

Ahead of Saturday afternoon’s game against the Florida Gators, South Florida head coach Alex Golesh had some excellent praise for quarterback DJ Lagway.

“DJ is certainly a generational talent,” Golesh said. “Both arm talent, physically, ability to create with his feet. Frame is really big. … High high-end arm. High high-end with his feet.”

DJ Lagway called a generational talent

It shouldn’t shock anyone that Golesh had such high praise of Lagway. The five-star recruit out of Willis, Texas was highly sought-after as the top quarterback recruit in the country. Head coach Billy Napier was steadfast in his recruitment, and Lagway didn’t waver from his commitment one time.

He’s been fantastic in his time with the Gators, including going 7-1 as the starting quarterback with his only loss being when he injured his hamstring against the Georgia Bulldogs. What separates him from other quarterbacks is his impeccable poise.

“The most impressive thing about him is the composure,” Golesh said. “The off-schedule throws. He makes things happen when pockets collapse. Makes things happen on the run. They do a really good job of moving him out of the pocket to create some vertical shots. . .

“You can tell there’s a calming presence about him. When you watch the quarterback, you can see when a young man doesn’t get rattled. Especially at 18 years old. He’s special and should be for a really long time. Plays it the right way. Poise, controlled and creates so much with his arm and his legs. Really impressive.”

Golesh being this honest about Lagway isn’t much of a surprise. Saying anything negative about your opponent can be viewed as bulletin board material. However, coaches are often honest about their opponents while not giving away anything about how they will defend him.

Lagway’s patience in the pocket could be the downfall for the Bulls. The defense held the Boise State Broncos to just seven points this past Thursday night, but the Gators’ offense is much better at every position, especially in the trenches, where four of the five offensive linemen are returning starters.

Saturday afternoon’s game will be interesting with two very talented and mobile quarterbacks going against each other.