DJ Lagway’s move from Florida to Baylor has brought a different kind of spotlight, and Dave Aranda says the quarterback is already looking more relaxed in Waco.
Speaking Tuesday at Big 12 Media Days, Aranda described Lagway as a player with plenty of edge and a clear desire to break out of the mold he felt in Gainesville.
"He's very driven. There is a huge chip on his shoulder," Aranda said Tuesday during Big 12 Media Days, according to On3's Alex Byington.
"I could see (that) on the recruiting trip. ... I could see someone that just wanted to be free.
Like (he was in a) straight jacket, maybe, someone that is just all boxed in and boxed up and just wanted to be free, express himself, play free. And I think he's felt that (freedom) … at Baylor."
That sense of relief comes after a turbulent run at Florida. Lagway arrived there as the top-rated quarterback in the 2024 recruiting cycle and quickly lived up to the billing, helping the Gators go 6-1 in his seven starts after opening his freshman season behind Graham Mertz.
His sophomore year told a different story. Injuries piled up, mistakes followed, and the production dipped. Lagway finished the 2025 season with 2,264 passing yards, 16 touchdowns and an SEC-high 14 interceptions.
Aranda said the change of scenery has been obvious. The Willis, Texas, native has been smiling more since coming back to his home state, and the Baylor coach called him "totally engaged," adding that Lagway’s teammates "don't want to let him down."
Lagway transferred to Baylor in January and is now stepping into the same program where his father once played. Derek Lagway Sr. was a running back for the Bears from 1997-2001, and the family tie clearly means something to the quarterback.
"It's a blessing to be here, seeing a lot of great people and just being around this atmosphere," Lagway said, according to Fox 44's Victoria Samuels. "It's amazing having this jersey on."
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