The Florida Gators are making waves in college football as they target Ben Elsner from the football analysis website The 33rd Team for a support staff/front office role. This move comes on the heels of an impressive finish to their 2024-2025 season, where the Gators wrapped up with a commendable 8-5 overall record despite facing one of the toughest schedules in the nation.
Gators’ Season Recap
The Gators showcased resilience and determination, winning their last four games of the season. A significant factor in their success was the emergence of DJ Lagway, a freshman quarterback who proved to be a game-changer. Lagway, who was rated as a five-star+ prospect in the 2024 recruiting class, quickly became a fan favorite and a key player for the team.
In the bowl game against Tulane, Lagway displayed his skills by completing 22 of 35 passes for 305 yards, along with one touchdown and two interceptions. His performance was a testament to his potential, and it’s no surprise that he was awarded the 2023-2024 Gatorade National Player of the Year Award.
Lagway’s Journey to Florida
Lagway’s journey to becoming a star quarterback began long before he stepped onto the college field. Hailing from Texas, he was rated as the No. 3 overall player in the nation and the top quarterback, according to the On3 Industry Rankings. His father, John Derek Lagway, played running back for Baylor from 1997-2001, setting the stage for DJ to follow in his footsteps.
During his high school career at Willis High School, Lagway threw for an astounding 4,604 passing yards and a state record of 58 touchdowns in his senior year. He led his team to a 12-1 record while also showcasing his dual-threat capabilities by rushing for 957 yards and 16 touchdowns. With such impressive stats, it’s clear why he was a highly sought-after recruit.
Florida’s Offseason Focus
As the Gators look ahead to the 2025 campaign, they will be focusing on spring practices and preparing for their spring game, scheduled for Saturday, April 12th, at 1:00 PM EST. With plenty of time left before the season kicks off, there’s still a lot that can change in the transfer portal. However, the Gators are already making strategic moves to bolster their roster.
DJ Lagway will return as the starting quarterback after an impressive freshman season, where he went 6-1 and threw for 1,915 yards, 12 touchdowns, and just nine interceptions. To further strengthen the quarterback room, the Gators have added senior transfer Harrison Bailey, who has experience throwing for 1,190 yards with Tennessee, UNLV, and Louisville. Freshman Tramell Jones is also in the mix as the third-string quarterback.
Depth Chart Overview
Florida’s backfield is looking promising with a deep roster of running backs. Sophomore Jadan Baugh returns, joined by senior Ja’Kobi Jackson, junior Treyaun Webb, and sophomore KD Daniels. This depth will be crucial as the Gators aim to establish a strong ground game to complement their aerial attack.
At wide receiver, redshirt sophomore Eugene Wilson III is expected to make a significant impact. Coming off offseason hip surgery, Wilson showed flashes of brilliance in 2023, recording 61 catches for 538 yards and six touchdowns as a freshman. His standout performance against Samford, where he racked up six catches for 141 yards and a touchdown, demonstrated his potential to become a star.
The 33rd Team and Elsner’s Role
The 33rd Team, founded by former NFL executive Mike Tannenbaum, has a wealth of talent and expertise, featuring analysts like Greg Cosell and Sam Monson, who was instrumental in the growth of Pro Football Focus. Ben Elsner, currently the chief of staff at The 33rd Team, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that could be invaluable to the Gators’ front office.
As the Gators look to build on their recent success, bringing in someone like Elsner could provide fresh insights and strategies to enhance their program. The combination of a promising young quarterback and a strong support staff could set the stage for a successful 2025 season.
Looking Ahead to 2025
The Gators will kick off their 2025 campaign against the LIU Sharks (Long Island University) on Saturday, August 30th. With a mix of returning talent and new additions, fans have plenty to be excited about as the team gears up for what promises to be an exhilarating season.
In summary, the Florida Gators are on the rise, fueled by the emergence of DJ Lagway and the potential addition of Ben Elsner to their staff. As they prepare for the upcoming season, the excitement is palpable, and the Gators are poised to make a significant impact in college football. With the right pieces in place, who knows how far they can go?
