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Florida Keeps DJ Lagway as Starter for Ole Miss After Halftime Benching

The staff casts the switch in Lexington as a reset to protect the quarterback.

Overview

  • Interim coach Billy Gonzales said Lagway will take first-team reps this week and is expected to start at No. 6 Ole Miss after being pulled at halftime of a 38-7 loss to Kentucky.
  • Lagway went 11-of-19 for 83 yards with a touchdown and three interceptions against Kentucky and has 1,762 yards, 11 touchdowns and an SEC‑high 12 interceptions this season.
  • Gonzales took responsibility for the halftime change, using a baseball analogy to describe giving a struggling player a chance to refocus rather than punishing him.
  • True freshman Tramell Jones Jr. finished 9-of-17 for 60 yards in relief and remains a viable option, with his usage also carrying redshirt considerations noted by the staff.
  • Outside commentary has questioned Lagway’s trajectory and floated transfer‑portal scenarios, including Lane Kiffin’s reported remark that he has not seen growth, while Florida continues its head‑coach search.