Ex-Florida QB DJ Lagway transferring to Baylor

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Former Florida quarterback DJ Lagway has found a new home, landing at Baylor University, the alma mater of his father and just 150 miles from his Willis, Texas, home.

According to multiple reports, Lagway, the Gators’ quarterback the past two seasons, is heading to Waco three weeks after he announced plans to enter the transfer portal following a disappointing sophomore season with the 4-8 Gators.

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Lagway’s search for a new school led the 20-year-old to visit Florida State on Sunday and Monday, before heading to Virginia. On Wednesday, Lagway visited a school closer to home and where father Derek Sr. played running back from 1997-99.

The younger Lagway looks to revive his career in Waco and fulfill his promise as the nation’s No. 1 quarterback prospect in the 2024 class and 2023 Gatorade National Player of the Year.

A third-team preseason All-SEC selection in 2025 after a promising true freshman season, Lagway was 213-of-337 passing (63.2%) for 2,264 yards in 2025 while averaging a meager 6.7 yards per attempt and posted a passer rating (127) better than only one SEC quarterback — Auburn’s Jackson Arnold. He also ran for 244 yards and a score on 51 rushing attempts.

The 6-foot-3, 247-pound Lagway battled injuries during the offseason and struggled from the start, highlighted by a five-interception game during a loss at LSU, a 61-yard passing night at Miami and a three-interception effort during a 38-7 loss at Kentucky.

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Lagway was 6-1 as a starter in 2024 when he replaced injured veteran Graham Mertz. Lagway finished second nationally to Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart with an average of 10 yards per attempt and second in the SEC in passer rating (154.93) to Dart, a first-round pick by the New York Giants.

But Lagway completed just 59.9% of his throws and had a 12-to-9 touchdown-to-interception ratio in 2024. He then underwent sports hernia surgery and endured a right shoulder injury that prevented him from throwing during spring practices.

A calf injury leading up to fall camp further limited his preparation for a pivotal season for himself and coach Billy Napier, who was fired Oct. 19.