There’s an early transfer portal front runner for QB DJ Lagway following his decision to leave the Florida Gators
There is an early favorite to land former Florida QB DJ Lagway following his decision to enter the Transfer Portal.
The Florida Gators suffered a huge loss on Monday when it was announced that sophomore quarterback DJ Lagway was entering the transfer portal.
The 6-3, 242-pound signal caller was a key piece for new head coach Jon Sumrall and offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner to try to retain, but unfortunately, those attempts proved to have little impact. According to a source, this was inevitable, and the folks around Lagway pushed for a fresh start.
With Lagway now on the market, there promises to be interest from across college football. There will be several programs listed as potential suitors, including Lane Kiffin and the LSU Tigers, Miami, and Baylor, among others. I even expect his former head coach, Billy Napier, and James Madison to check in, although that won’t matter in the end. The point is: There will be plenty of options.
While there is still a lot that needs to play out, there is an early frontrunner to know for Lagway’s services. The fit would make a lot of sense for him based on what we have seen during the 2025 season.
Early frontrunner for Lagway
The early team to know for Lagway, according to a source, is Texas Tech. Lagway is from Texas, and a return would make a lot of sense for him. Based on the progress that we have seen from Behren Morton under head coach Joey McGuire, you can just imagine what that staff could get out of a talent like Lagway.
The Red Raiders have been connected to Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby early in the process, but he is debating entering the 2026 NFL Draft, and Indiana is also a team pursuing him heavily. Lagway would be smart to solidify things with Texas Tech while Sorsby navigates his decision.
Lagway’s potential fit with Texas Tech
Fellow A to Z Sports analyst Joe DeLeone joined me to discuss Lagway’s potential fit with the Red Raiders. Here is what he had to say:
“There could not be a more intriguing pairing of a school and player than Lagway going to Texas Tech. Lagway is a highly gifted young quarterback with the tools to be a future first-overall pick. We witnessed this in his freshman year at Florida, until endless amounts of turmoil derailed his and the Gators’ season. There were still flashes of his powerful arm, his rare mobility, and dynamic playmaking ability. He’d get a chance to represent the state of Texas, where he’s from, though it’s a seven-hour drive from his hometown.
“Ultimately, this situation set him up to perform at a high level on the best program in a conference with less dominant rosters than the SEC. With an elite supporting cast, Lagway won’t need to do everything like he felt he had to while at Florida. He’ll also be faced with more beatable competition when squaring off with the middle and backend of the Big 12. Texas Tech dominated the Big 12 this season, and it was clear its roster was a level above most of its competition.
“Additionally, Lagway would be a well-timed upgrade as they catch a wave of success. Behren Morton was an impactful starter this season when healthy, in a productive offense. Now imagine what they can accomplish with a first-round-caliber QB and gifted running back Quinten Joyner returning from injury. They can do severe damage with a backfield that explosive.
Lastly, this would be perfect for Texas Tech, given how it’s building itself into a top program in the sport, well-positioned to succeed in the current version of college football. As it’s rising, incorporating a former five-star quarterback is a necessary piece for it to establish itself as a consistent title threat. If Lagway were to stay for multiple years, and he reaches his potential, Texas Tech could win the Big 12 for three straight seasons.”
I tend to agree with DeLeone’s analysis on Lagway’s fit with the Red Raiders. Getting back to his roots and heading closer to home makes sense, especially with Florida breaking in a new head coach. McGuire has developed a great reputation as an offensive mind, which would also be big for the talented quarterback. The fit makes a lot of sense.
DJ Lagway’s background
Lagway was originally a member of the 2024 recruiting class, when he was rated a five-star player by the 247Sports Composite. They have him ranked as the No. 7 overall player, the No. 2 quarterback, and the No. 2 player from Texas. The Texas native chose the Gators over offers from Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Oregon, Ole Miss, Oklahoma, Penn State, Miami, USC, and Clemson, among others.
After a promising start to his career, Lagway fizzled out due to inconsistency and injury. In 24 games, Lagway threw for 4,179 yards and 28 touchdowns. He also ran for another 237 yards and a score, but his inconsistencies were far too prevalent. Lagway threw 23 interceptions and completed just 62 percent of his passes, while struggling to stay on the field.
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