The DJ Lagway sweepstakes are officially underway, and Baylor’s right in the thick of it. The former five-star quarterback entered the transfer portal Monday, and it didn’t take long for a few familiar names to emerge as early contenders. Baylor, LSU, and Miami are all in the conversation-and if you’re Dave Aranda, this is exactly the kind of opportunity you have to go all-in on.
Lagway’s been a household name in recruiting circles for a while now. Coming out of Willis High School in Texas, he was one of the most electrifying prospects in the 2024 class.
We’re talking about a quarterback with a cannon for an arm, elite athleticism, and the kind of dual-threat ability that makes offensive coordinators lose sleep-in a good way. He chose Florida out of high school, but the Gators’ 2025 season went off the rails.
Now, Lagway’s looking for a reset, and the timing couldn’t be more intriguing.
Enter Baylor. There’s already a built-in connection-Lagway’s father played in Waco, and the Bears were one of the top programs in the mix during his original recruitment.
It’s not hard to see why the fit makes sense now more than ever. Baylor’s offense needs a jolt, and Lagway needs a place where he can reboot his career, stay close to home, and play in a system that lets him be the dynamic playmaker he is.
This isn’t just wishful thinking from the fanbase, either. There’s legitimate buzz around Baylor’s pursuit, and reports suggest the interest is mutual.
But the Bears aren’t alone in this race. LSU is always a heavyweight when it comes to portal pickups, especially at quarterback.
The SEC pedigree, the chance to play under Lane Kiffin, and the potential to start immediately make Baton Rouge a very real threat. Miami’s also firmly in the picture.
The Hurricanes are in the middle of a College Football Playoff push and have already shown they can revive a quarterback’s trajectory-just look at what they’ve done with Carson Beck.
Still, if Baylor wants to flip the script heading into 2026, landing Lagway would be a game-changer. This isn’t a flyer on potential-this is a proven talent with deep Texas roots, familiarity with the program, and a chance to write a full-circle story. The decision will come down to timing, NIL opportunities, and which program can offer the clearest path to QB1 status.
For Baylor, the pitch has to be airtight. This is the kind of move that could redefine their trajectory-not just for next season, but for the next few years.
The door’s open. Now it’s about walking through it.