DJ Lagway’s Transfer Saga Takes Another Turn as Duke Enters the Picture
Just when it looked like DJ Lagway’s next chapter was set, things have taken another unexpected turn. The former Florida quarterback, who recently committed to Baylor, hasn’t put pen to paper yet-and that’s opened the door for another potential suitor: Duke.
Let’s rewind for a second. Lagway’s move from Florida seemed to point straight to Waco.
His Texas roots, his father’s connection to the Bears program-it all lined up. After a visit to Florida State, Lagway committed to Baylor, and it looked like a done deal.
But in the world of college football, “committed” doesn’t always mean “final.”
Now, with Duke suddenly in need of a quarterback, the Blue Devils have reportedly set their sights on Lagway. According to reports, Duke is “interested” in bringing him in as a potential replacement for Darian Mensah, who entered the transfer portal at the last minute. Mensah is widely expected to land at Miami, leaving a significant hole in Duke’s quarterback room.
That’s where Lagway comes in.
Duke is fresh off a 9-5 season that ended with an ACC Championship win over Virginia. They’re not just looking to fill a spot-they’re looking for a leader who can keep the momentum going. Lagway, with his SEC experience and dual-threat talent, checks a lot of boxes.
But here’s the thing: Lagway hasn’t signed with Baylor yet. And that’s telling.
If Baylor was the clear-cut destination, the paperwork would likely be done by now. Instead, Lagway’s name continues to surface in connection with other programs-Ole Miss being one of them, shortly after their playoff exit and the denial of Trinidad Chambliss’ eligibility appeal.
Lagway’s exit from Florida came after a meeting with new head coach Jon Sumrall. According to those close to the situation, the decision wasn’t about NIL money-it was about a reset. With the Billy Napier era officially in the rearview, Lagway wanted a fresh start somewhere he could grow and lead.
He visited Florida State, though that never seemed like a strong fit. Then came the Baylor commitment, which, at least on paper, made sense. But the longer this drags out, the more it feels like Lagway is weighing all his options-and maybe keeping Baylor in his back pocket rather than locking it down.
Whether Lagway has genuine interest in Duke remains to be seen. But the fact that Duke is interested-and that Lagway hasn’t signed anywhere-makes this a situation worth watching. The quarterback carousel is still spinning, and Lagway’s next move could have ripple effects across multiple programs heading into the 2026 season.
Stay tuned. This offseason isn’t done with twists just yet.