DJ Lagway Enters Transfer Portal: A New Chapter Ahead for the Former Florida Star
DJ Lagway was once the face of Florida’s future - a top-10 national recruit, ESPN’s No. 1 dual-threat quarterback in the 2024 class, and a player who looked every bit the part of a future first-round NFL pick. Now, he’s officially entering the transfer portal, and just like that, he becomes one of the most sought-after names on the market this offseason.
The portal window opens on January 2, and Lagway is expected to formally enter at that time. He’ll have two years of eligibility left wherever he lands next - and there’s no shortage of programs that would love to hand him the keys to their offense.
A Promising Start, Then a Tough Sophomore Stretch
Lagway’s career at Florida started with fireworks. As a true freshman in 2024, he took over the starting job late in the season and immediately turned heads.
He led the Gators to a 6-1 finish, including statement wins over LSU, Ole Miss, and rival Florida State. He capped it off with a dominant Gasparilla Bowl win against Tulane, throwing for 1,915 yards and 12 touchdowns in just seven games.
The buzz was real - Lagway entered the 2025 offseason as one of college football’s most talked-about breakout candidates, with Heisman whispers already swirling.
But 2025 didn’t go according to plan.
Lagway battled through a string of injuries - core muscle, shoulder, and calf issues - that limited him throughout the spring and summer. He played through pain for most of the fall, and while he started all 12 games, his production took a hit.
He completed 63.2% of his passes for 2,264 yards and 16 touchdowns, but also threw 14 interceptions. His signature mobility was clearly affected, as he managed just 101 rushing yards all season.
To make matters more complicated, Florida’s program was in flux. Head coach Billy Napier was fired during his fourth season, interim coach Billy Gonzales stepped in, and the Gators have since hired Jon Sumrall from Tulane to lead the next era. Lagway was caught in the middle of that transition - and now, he’s looking for a fresh start.
Why Miami Makes So Much Sense
There will be no shortage of programs lining up to pitch Lagway. But if he’s looking for a place that can elevate his game and put him squarely back on the NFL radar, Miami checks just about every box.
The Hurricanes just wrapped up a 10-2 season, earned a spot in the College Football Playoff, and are building like a program with serious national title aspirations. Head coach Mario Cristobal has Miami recruiting and spending like one of the sport’s elite, and the quarterback position is wide open again in 2026.
Carson Beck, who transferred in for one final season, helped lead Miami’s offense with precision and efficiency - a bounce-back campaign that restored his NFL stock. That turnaround wasn’t a fluke.
Offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson has now developed multiple quarterbacks into high-level performers. Cam Ward was already a proven talent before he arrived in Coral Gables, but under Dawson, he took his game to another level.
The result? Ward became the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
That’s the kind of blueprint Lagway is likely looking for.
A System Built for His Skillset
Lagway’s high school tape was full of deep shots, off-platform throws, and improvisational magic. His best moments at Florida came when he was able to push the ball downfield and create outside the structure. That’s exactly what Miami’s system is built to maximize.
The Hurricanes are loaded with offensive talent, and they’re not shy about using it. Malachi Toney, who just posted 84 catches for 970 yards as a true freshman, is a rising star and would give Lagway a legitimate No. 1 target. The backfield is young and explosive, and the offensive line has been one of the most dominant units in the country all season long.
Put simply: this is a plug-and-play opportunity for a quarterback with Lagway’s tools.
The NIL Factor
Let’s not ignore the elephant in the room - Miami’s NIL program is one of the most aggressive in the country. Last year, they made Carson Beck the highest-paid transfer quarterback in college football. If Lagway is looking for the right mix of development, exposure, and financial backing, Miami is positioned to deliver on all three fronts.
What’s Next?
Lagway’s official entry into the portal on January 2 will kick off a flurry of interest. He’s still just two years removed from being the top dual-threat QB in his class, and despite a rocky sophomore campaign, the talent is still there. The injuries, the coaching change, the inconsistent play - all of it adds context, but none of it erases the upside.
Wherever he lands, Lagway will be one of the most intriguing quarterbacks to watch in 2026. And if it’s Miami? Well, don’t be surprised if he’s back in the national spotlight - and back in the first-round conversation - sooner than later.