Former Gators QB DJ Lagway’s recruitment takes shocking turn after latest news shakes up the transfer portal

After Darian Mensah’s shocking decision to enter the transfer portal for Miami, the Duke Blue Devils emerge as a contender for DJ Lagway.

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
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Jan 7, 2026; Waco, Texas, USA; DJ Lagway, a Florida quarterback currently in the transfer portal, sits with Baylor Bears football head coach Dave Aranda, left, during the first half of a game between the Baylor Bears and Iowa State Cyclones at Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion.
Chris Jones-Imagn Images

When former Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway entered the transfer portal, he was the biggest entrant to that point. It was a big loss for head coach Jon Sumrall, as Lagway was viewed as a top priority for the Gators to retain.

Ultimately, the Gators did retain the other five players who were viewed as top priorities in running back Jadan Baugh, wide receiver Vernell Brown III, wide receiver Dallas Wilson, edge rusher Jayden Woods, and linebacker Myles Graham.

DJ Lagway linked to Steve Spurrier’s old program

Last week, Lagway committed to the Baylor Bears. The move made sense, as they needed a quarterback with Sawyer Robertson heading to the NFL, and his dad, Derek, played his college football at Baylor. Where things get interesting is that Lagway has yet to sign.

Because he hasn’t signed, Lagway has been linked to multiple programs. He took a visit to the Ole Miss Rebels after committing to the Bears, and now he’s being linked to the Duke Blue Devils.

It’s no surprise that Lagway is being linked to the Blue Devils. Their starting quarterback, Darian Mensah, entered the transfer portal earlier on Friday afternoon, with the Miami Hurricanes reportedly offering him a lot of money to transfer, including buying out his contract with the Blue Devils.

It’s an interesting landing spot for Lagway for two reasons. First, Lagway is a similar quarterback to Mensah. They are both bigger dual-threat quarterbacks with big arms, and Lagway would be good in the system that Mensah ran last season.

The second is the connection to former Gators head coach Steve Spurrier. He’s still around the Florida football program, and there could potentially be some influence there.

Where things are currently is interesting, and it epitomizes the transfer portal. Lagway will be intriguing to watch until he puts pen to paper. If the Blue Devils fail to land Lagway, they could be in a tough spot at quarterback next season.

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