TAMPA — Florida quarterback DJ Lagway was not feeling exactly MVP-worthy. A true freshman already with plenty of hardware, including 2023 Gatorade Football Player of the Year while at Willis (Texas) High,

Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway wraps up his true freshman campaign by taking home the Gasparilla Bowl MVP. Congratulations to the 2024 @UnionHomeMtg Gasparilla Bowl MVP, DJ Lagway. The @GatorsFB true freshman QB put on a dominant performance and helped the Gators take home the treasure. pic.twitter.com/wRs0n3P4dy

The Gasparilla Bowl presents the ideal setting to stretch the resurgence into 2025. It will be the only game in Friday’s 3:30 p.m. window and will serve as an opening act to the initial College Football Playoff contest — Indiana at Notre Dame — that evening. For one afternoon, Lagway and the Gators (7-5) will have the stage to themselves.

Trey Smack kicked a Gasparilla Bowl-record four field goals for the Gators (8-5), who also got a late TD run from walk-on running back Anthony Rubio in their fourth consecutive victory.

Florida football coaches have been impressed with DJ Lagway's football IQ and work ethic, which has allowed them to expand the playbook. Could Lagway take another step?

The true freshman quarterback turned enough heads in 2024 to be an early favorite for the Heisman Trophy next season

DJ Lagway threw a touchdown pass, Trey Smack kicked four field goals and Florida's defense dominated in a 33-8 victory over Tulane in the Gasparilla Bowl on Friday in Tampa,