In the world of college football, high expectations often accompany elite recruits, and DJ Lagway was no exception when he joined the Florida Gators in 2024. As the No. 3 ranked player in his class, Lagway was anticipated to take the reins from quarterback Graham Mertz and lead the Gators into a new era. However, after Mertz suffered a season-ending injury during Florida's sixth game against Tennessee, Lagway was thrust into the starting role.
Despite the pressure, Lagway performed admirably, guiding Florida to a 5-1 record over the final six games of the season. His standout performances included victories over ranked opponents, such as No. 9 Ole Miss and No. 22 LSU, and a dominant win in the Gasparilla Bowl against Tulane, coached by future Gators head coach Jon Sumrall.
Heading into the subsequent season, Lagway was positioned as a potential Heisman contender, with fans and analysts expecting him to elevate his game. Unfortunately, the season did not unfold as planned for the Willis, Texas native. Lagway struggled with injuries and was limited to just 222 yards passing in a narrow 18-16 defeat against USF, marking the first time Florida lost to the Bulls in program history.
The situation worsened for Lagway the following week when he threw five interceptions in a 20-10 loss to No. 3 LSU. Over the course of the season, he played in all 12 games, amassing 2,264 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. The Gators finished with a disappointing 4-8 record, leading to the firing of head coach Billy Napier just seven games into the season.
In search of a fresh start, Lagway entered the Transfer Portal and ultimately decided to join the Baylor Bears, where he will play under head coach Dave Aranda. His debut with Baylor is set for Saturday against Auburn, led by first-year head coach Alex Golesh, who notably coached USF to victory over Florida last season.
Tim Tebow, a Florida legend and former Heisman Trophy winner, shared his thoughts on Lagway's transfer during an appearance on 'The Paul Finebaum Show.' He expressed support for Lagway, stating that the young quarterback needed a new opportunity to thrive. Tebow noted that the pressure at Florida was overwhelming, and there was insufficient support around Lagway during challenging times.
“I think DJ needed a new opportunity,” Tebow remarked. “There was so much pressure on him. There was not enough help around him in Gainesville. When things started to spiral, there was not enough people stepping up, being able to take some of the blame. I think DJ is someone that I’ll root for, because he’s a very likable young man.”
Tebow emphasized that Lagway's talent and character are undeniable, and he believes that a change of environment will allow Lagway to play with more joy and confidence. This shift could lead to a resurgence in his performance.
As Lagway embarks on this new chapter with Baylor, he will have the opportunity to lead a program looking to rebound from a disappointing 5-7 season. The upcoming game against Auburn is crucial for both Lagway and Aranda, as a victory could significantly enhance their reputations and set a positive tone for the season ahead. The matchup is scheduled to kick off at 3:30 PM (ET) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, and a win against an SEC opponent could be monumental for the Bears as they prepare for Big 12 play.
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