DJ Lagway’s college football journey has taken another dramatic turn, as the former Florida Gators quarterback officially committed to Baylor on January 8, 2026, returning to his home state and following in his father’s footsteps. This move, confirmed by multiple sources including On3’s Hayes Fawcett and CBS Sports’ Chris Hummer, marks a significant moment for both Lagway and the Baylor Bears, who are looking for a spark after a disappointing 5-7 campaign under head coach Dave Aranda.
Lagway, once the No. 1 quarterback prospect in the Class of 2024 and a five-star recruit out of Willis, Texas, brings with him a mix of high expectations and hard-earned experience. His time at Florida was a rollercoaster, beginning with a promising freshman season and ending with a challenging sophomore year riddled with injuries and coaching changes. Now, as the highest-rated recruit ever to play at Baylor, Lagway has a chance to reset and reinvigorate his college career in a quarterback-friendly system under offensive coordinator Jake Spavital.
Lagway’s journey to Waco began in the small town of Willis, northwest of Houston, where he starred for Willis High School. In 2023, he was named both Texas and Gatorade National Player of the Year, setting a Texas 6A record with 4,631 passing yards and 58 touchdowns in his senior season. His high school career totals are staggering: 8,392 passing yards, 100 passing touchdowns, 2,196 rushing yards, and 29 rushing scores. As a dual-threat quarterback, he was the pride of his community and a coveted recruit for college programs nationwide.
At Florida, Lagway’s collegiate debut lived up to the hype. On September 7, 2024, he threw for a career-high 458 yards and three touchdowns against Samford, electrifying the crowd at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. He quickly won over the Gators fanbase, finishing his freshman year with a 6-1 record as a starter, 1,915 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. He completed 12 passes of 40 yards or more, showcasing his big-play ability. As a freshman, he also helped Florida close the 2024 season with a four-game winning streak, a run that reportedly saved then-head coach Billy Napier’s job.
But the transition to his sophomore season was anything but smooth. Lagway’s offseason was marred by a series of injuries: a shoulder issue, sports hernia surgery in the spring, and a strained left calf before the 2025-26 campaign. Four weeks into the season, he suffered yet another lower-body injury during a trip to Miami. These setbacks hampered his development and left him uncomfortable in the pocket. The results were evident as Florida stumbled to a 4-8 finish in 2025.
Lagway’s struggles peaked with a five-interception performance in a 20-10 loss at LSU on September 13, 2025. He was briefly benched after throwing three interceptions in a 38-7 defeat to Kentucky on November 8, 2025, but ultimately started all 12 games for the Gators that season. He finished with 2,264 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions, a far cry from the dominance he displayed in high school. As the losses mounted, Florida parted ways with coach Billy Napier after a 3-4 start, adding further instability to the program.
By December 15, 2025, Lagway entered the transfer portal, joining a wave of Florida players seeking new opportunities. Linebackers Aaron Gates and Grayson Howard, defensive backs Sharif Denson and Teddy Foster, defensive linemen Michai Boireau and Tarvorise Brown, running back KD Daniels, tight end Hayden Hansen, and receivers Aidan Mizell, Eugene Wilson III, Tank Hawkins, and Jackson Wade all committed to other schools for the 2026 season. Florida, now under new head coach Jon Sumrall, will turn to a young quarterback room featuring Georgia Tech transfer Aaron Philo, sophomore Tramell Jones Jr., redshirt junior Aidan Warner, and incoming freshman Will Griffin.
Despite the tumult, Lagway’s total production at Florida was solid: 4,179 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and 23 interceptions over 24 games, with a 62% completion rate and 237 rushing yards with one rushing touchdown. However, his dual-threat prowess from high school never fully translated to the college level—at least not yet.
The move to Baylor is about more than just football. It’s a homecoming for Lagway, whose father Derek played running back for the Bears from 1997 to 2001, amassing 711 yards and six touchdowns in 40 appearances. DJ’s decision to transfer to his father’s alma mater is laden with personal significance, and the chance to play in front of family and friends could help him regain his confidence and form.
For Baylor, Lagway’s arrival is a much-needed boost. The Bears, led by Dave Aranda, have endured four losing seasons in the last six years. Offensive coordinator Jake Spavital, known for his work with quarterbacks like Will Grier and Case Keenum, helped departing starter Sawyer Robertson achieve the No. 2 passing yardage mark in the regular season. With Robertson heading to the NFL Draft and top receivers Josh Cameron, Michael Trigg, and Kole Wilson also departing, Baylor is in a period of transition. Yet, the addition of a former No. 1 quarterback prospect is expected to attract more talent, particularly at wide receiver, and inject new energy into the program.
Baylor’s 2026 recruiting class took a hit after the team’s disappointing season and the dismissal of athletic director Mack Rhoades, leading to the loss of its top commitments. Coach Aranda, whose job security has been a topic of speculation, is undoubtedly hoping that Lagway’s presence will help stabilize the program and provide the high-upside move fans have been craving. As CBS Sports noted, "Adding a former No. 1 quarterback -- even one with some inconsistencies -- is a spark."
Lagway’s transfer also highlights the shifting landscape of college football, where the transfer portal has become a lifeline for players and programs alike. His story is one of resilience, adaptation, and the constant pursuit of opportunity. According to new Florida coach Jon Sumrall, "I didn’t run Lagway off but said I laid out expectations for what I was looking for from the position of toughness and competing." The door is now open for both Lagway and Baylor to write a new chapter together.
As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes in Waco will be on DJ Lagway. Will he rediscover the magic that made him a high school legend? Can he help elevate Baylor back into Big 12 contention? The answers will unfold soon enough, but one thing is clear: the excitement and anticipation surrounding Lagway’s homecoming has given Baylor football—and its fans—a reason to believe again.
