After a promising start to his collegiate career, DJ Lagway is poised to take the reins as the starting quarterback for Florida in the 2025 season. The true freshman stepped in for Graham Mertz last year and showcased his potential, making a significant impact on the field. Now, as he prepares for his sophomore season, Lagway is also making waves off the field by capitalizing on opportunities in the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) space.
Lagway’s NIL Deals
In an exciting announcement via social media, Lagway revealed that he has signed NIL deals with Nintendo and Epic Games. These partnerships mark a significant milestone for the former Five Star Plus+ recruit, who boasts an impressive $3.7 million On3 NIL Valuation. This valuation places him among the elite in college athletics, reflecting not only his on-field performance but also his marketability as an athlete.
Lagway is not alone in this venture; he joins a growing roster of college football stars associated with these major brands. Notably, Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith recently signed with the companies ahead of the College Football Playoff national championship, while Alabama standout Ryan Williams also announced a partnership this offseason. These collaborations highlight the increasing trend of athletes leveraging their platforms and popularity through strategic NIL deals.
A Breakout 2024 Season
Lagway’s journey to becoming a starting quarterback began in the 2024 season when he served as Mertz’s backup. However, a season-ending injury to Mertz opened the door for Lagway, who seized the opportunity with both hands. Over the course of 12 games, he threw for an impressive 1,915 yards and 12 touchdowns, while also contributing 101 rushing yards. His performance not only solidified his position as a key player for the Gators but also generated significant buzz heading into Year 2.
As Lagway prepares for the upcoming season, he has garnered attention from analysts and fans alike. Ari Wasserman from On3 ranked him as one of the top three returning players in college football for 2025, underscoring the excitement surrounding his potential. “Do you have to be a third-year veteran with a bunch of stats to be on this list or can you just have eyeballs? I don’t know,” Wasserman remarked on the Andy & Ari On3 podcast. “Have you watched this guy play for five minutes? That’s all I need.”
Understanding Lagway’s NIL Valuation
Lagway’s impressive $3.7 million On3 NIL Valuation places him fourth in the college football NIL rankings and seventh in the On3 NIL 100, a groundbreaking ranking of the top 100 high school and college athletes based on their NIL valuation. This valuation is a testament to his growing influence and appeal in the world of college sports.
The On3 NIL Valuation is calculated by combining Roster Value and personal NIL. Roster value reflects an athlete’s worth as a member of their team, while personal NIL considers the potential value an athlete can bring to brands outside of NIL collectives. This dual approach provides a comprehensive view of an athlete’s marketability and earning potential.
The Growing Importance of NIL in College Football
The emergence of NIL opportunities has transformed the landscape of college athletics, allowing athletes to monetize their names, images, and likenesses in ways that were previously unimaginable. As more athletes like Lagway capitalize on these opportunities, the dynamics of college football are changing.
“Despite what some fans and media believe, there is not an unlimited amount of money being deployed to manage rosters,” said Shannon Terry, the founder and CEO of On3. “Any model – whether it’s today’s broken NCAA ‘student-athlete’ construct or media rights sharing through employment, which is almost a certainty in the near future – demands efficiency based on the athlete and school knowing the athlete’s respective market value.”
As Lagway continues to rise in prominence, both on and off the field, his journey serves as a reminder of the new era of college football. With NIL deals becoming increasingly common, athletes now have the chance to build their brands and secure their financial futures while pursuing their athletic dreams.
As we look ahead to the 2025 season, all eyes will be on DJ Lagway. Will he continue to shine as a quarterback for the Gators? And how will his partnerships with major brands like Nintendo and Epic Games influence the future of college athletics? The excitement is palpable, and the story is just beginning.
