A dark horse is emerging for Florida Gators QB DJ Lagway in the transfer portal, and it’s not one you’d see coming

The big schools are still targeting DJ Lagway, but the Louisville Cardinals are positioning themselves for the Gators’ star quarterback.

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
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Nov 29, 2025; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) walks on the field during Gator Walk before a game against the Florida State Seminoles at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

Monday morning created quite a whirlwind for the Florida Gators with quarterback DJ Lagway announcing his intentions to enter the transfer portal.

Initially, the news felt brutal for the Gators, especially coming after a 4-8 season with a new head coach Jon Sumrall, coming into the fold. Lagway is the first five-star quarterback the Gators have recruited since Jeff Driskell signed in the 2011 class. Even though the Gators are losing Lagway to the portal, they have seemingly found a “replacement” in Georgia Tech quarterback Aaron Philo, who will likely come over with new offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner.

Dark horse emerging for DJ Lagway in the transfer portal

While the transfer portal doesn’t officially open until January 2nd, players are announcing their intention to enter, and teams are being linked to them. We’ve seen Lagway get linked to the LSU Tigers to play for new head coach Lane Kiffin, the Miami Hurricanes, who have been a haven for transfer quarterbacks, and the Baylor Bears, where Lagway’s dad went to school.

There have also been mentions of the Texas Tech Red Raiders, who are going to be on seemingly every transfer with their massive bankroll. However, there is one school that is emerging seemingly out of nowhere per On3 Sports’ Pete Nakos: the Louisville Cardinals.

The Louisville Cardinals make sense for DJ Lagway

It’s an interesting place for Lagway to land potentially, but one that has a lot of merit. Head coach Jeff Brohm operates a spread offense that features the quarterback throwing the ball all over the field, complemented by a running game.

That could be appealing to Lagway, who playing in a poor offensive scheme run by former head coach Billy Napier over the last two years. In high school in Willis, Texas, Lagway ran a vertical passing attack with some quarterback run game mixed in. Giving Lagway that would be a smart way to maximize his abilities.

Plus, by going to a place like Louisville, they will make you the focus of the program, something you may not get at LSU or Miami. They will be worth keeping an eye on over the next few weeks.

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