Why DJ Lagway Should Be on Clemson’s Radar - and Why It Makes Sense Now
Clemson doesn’t need to hit the panic button at quarterback - but it does need to look ahead. And DJ Lagway’s decision to enter the NCAA transfer portal just might be the kind of opportunity that deserves a closer look from Dabo Swinney and his staff.
This isn’t about scrambling. It’s about planning.
Lagway isn’t your average December portal entry. He’s a former five-star recruit, once the centerpiece of Florida’s 2024 class, and now a rare blend of elite pedigree, Power Five starting experience, and untapped upside - all back on the market.
Let’s break down why this matters for Clemson right now.
Lagway’s Resume: Still Built on Talent
Coming out of high school, Lagway was the real deal - the No. 1 quarterback in the 2024 class and the No. 3 overall prospect nationally. At 6-foot-3, 247 pounds, he had the size, the arm, the mobility, and the buzz. Florida saw him as a program-changer.
But his first two years in Gainesville didn’t go as planned.
He took over as the full-time starter in 2025, and the results were uneven. Lagway completed under 60 percent of his passes, throwing 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions over 12 games.
The numbers tell part of the story - the rest is about context. Florida’s offense was inconsistent, the protection was shaky, and the scheme lacked rhythm.
Lagway’s raw tools were still there, but the environment didn’t do him many favors.
That’s important to note, because the traits that made him elite as a recruit haven’t disappeared. He’s still a big, athletic quarterback with a live arm and real experience running a Power Five offense. That alone makes him a rare commodity in the portal - and one that Clemson should take seriously.
Why Clemson’s Fit Could Be Different
Clemson wasn’t a major player in Lagway’s original recruitment, but the Tigers knew who he was. Like most elite programs, they evaluated him early, tracked his progress, and ultimately went in a different direction for the 2024 cycle.
But this isn’t about revisiting the past - it’s about reassessing the present.
Lagway today is a different quarterback than he was as a recruit. He’s been through the fire, taken real snaps, made real mistakes, and learned from them. Clemson, meanwhile, is in a different place too - with Garrett Riley running the offense and a system that prizes timing, structure, and quarterback development.
That’s where the fit starts to make sense.
Lagway’s struggles at Florida came in a chaotic offensive environment. At Clemson, he’d be stepping into a system built on rhythm and consistency - one that’s designed to grow quarterbacks rather than throw them into the deep end. Riley has shown he can mold talent, and Lagway still has plenty of that to work with.
Why Clemson Should Pick Up the Phone
Let’s be clear: Clemson doesn’t need to bring in Lagway to be the savior. What it needs is depth, competition, and a long-term plan at the most important position on the field.
Lagway checks all those boxes.
He’s not some untested freshman or a journeyman with one year left. He’s a high-upside quarterback with real game reps, who’s already faced SEC defenses and lived through the pressure of being “the guy.” That kind of experience - especially when paired with elite physical tools - is tough to find in the portal.
Clemson doesn’t have to rush him into action. There’s time to let him develop, recalibrate, and grow in a more stable environment.
And if he hits? You’ve got a potentially dynamic quarterback who’s already been through the learning curve.
It’s a swing worth taking.
Looking at the Bigger Picture
Not every quarterback in the portal is worth chasing. But DJ Lagway isn’t just another name in the December shuffle.
He’s young, he’s talented, and he’s been tested. That combination doesn’t come around often - especially not with multiple years of eligibility remaining.
For Clemson, this is about being proactive, not reactive. The Tigers have built their recent success on strong quarterback play, and staying ahead of the curve at that position is non-negotiable in today’s college football landscape.
Lagway isn’t a sure thing. But he’s the kind of calculated bet that elite programs make - and more often than not, those bets pay off when the fit is right.
For Clemson, the fit might finally be there.