In a significant development for college football, former Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway has announced his commitment to the Baylor Bears through the transfer portal. This move is poised to be one of the most impactful transfers of the 2026 cycle, sending a talented signal-caller to Waco, Texas.
A Legacy Comes Home to Waco
The decision carries a strong family connection for Lagway. His father, Derek Lagway, was a player for the Baylor Bears from 1997 to 2001, making this a homecoming of sorts. With this commitment, DJ Lagway instantly becomes the highest-rated recruit ever to join the Baylor football program. He was once ranked as the top quarterback prospect in the entire 2024 recruiting class.
Florida Chapter: Highlights and Hurdles
DJ Lagway's time with the Florida Gators was a mix of promising flashes and challenging setbacks. As a freshman in 2024, he came off the bench to ignite a crucial four-game winning streak, a performance that helped secure coach Billy Napier's position at the time. This early success built considerable hype around the young quarterback.
However, his sophomore season in 2025 was disrupted by injuries, limiting his ability to build on that promising start. Over his two-year tenure with the Gators, Lagway appeared in 24 games, compiling the following statistics:
- Passing: 4,179 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 23 interceptions with a 62% completion rate.
- Rushing: 237 yards and one touchdown on the ground.
Following coaching changes at Florida, Lagway entered the transfer portal in December 2025. Rated as the No. 15 overall player and No. 5 quarterback in the portal, he attracted interest from several major programs, including Florida State and Virginia, with rumours also linking him to LSU.
Fresh Start in a Familiar System
Baylor's offensive scheme, orchestrated by coordinator Jake Spavital, appears to be an ideal match for Lagway's skill set. Spavital has a renowned history of developing productive quarterbacks like Will Grier and Case Keenum. Most recently, he helped Baylor's Sawyer Robertson finish No. 2 in passing yards during the regular season.
This aggressive spread offense aligns perfectly with Lagway's high school dominance. In 2023, he was crowned Mr. Texas Football after a spectacular season where he threw for 4,631 yards and a state-record 58 touchdowns. The move to the Big 12 offers Lagway a chance to rebuild his profile away from the relentless spotlight of the SEC, in a system designed to maximise his dual-threat abilities.
A Potential Game-Changer for Baylor
This commitment arrives at a critical juncture for Baylor head coach Dave Aranda. The Bears are coming off a disappointing 5-7 season in 2025, which marked Aranda's fourth losing campaign in his six years at the helm. Despite being pre-season contenders for the Big 12 title, the team was plagued by inconsistency and defensive issues.
The addition of a former five-star talent like DJ Lagway provides a massive injection of excitement and potential. With two years of eligibility remaining, he has the opportunity to be a program-altering player. His arrival could also help Baylor attract more offensive weapons, particularly wide receivers looking to partner with a high-upside quarterback. For a roster needing a spark after key departures to the NFL, Lagway represents hope and a significant step towards revival in 2026.
