DJ Lagways Baylor Start Hits An Early Concern Florida Fans Will Watch

Baylor's hopes for a season-turnaround rest on the shoulders of junior QB Nate Bennett as DJ Lagway recovers from an ankle injury ahead of their matchup against Prairie View A&M.

Baylor is set to move forward without DJ Lagway this weekend, and that means a new name is about to get his first crack at the starting job.

Lagway, who left last week’s game against Auburn with an ankle injury, is not expected to play Saturday against Prairie View A&M, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel. The injury came in the first half, though Lagway did return to the game with plenty of tape on the ankle. Even with the setback, he still finished with 333 passing yards, two touchdowns and one interception.

Thamel also reported that Baylor does not expect the injury to keep Lagway out for long. He posted: “Sources: Baylor’s Nate Bennett will make his first career start for the Bears this weekend, as DJ Lagway (ankle) is not expected to play against Prairie View A&M.

Lagway was injured against Auburn and isn’t expected to be out long-term. It’s uncertain if he’ll dress and be… pic.twitter.com/5fNKq75LzK”

With Lagway sidelined, junior quarterback Nate Bennett is in line to start. It will be the first career start for Bennett, who has thrown for 53 yards without a touchdown or interception over two seasons.

Lagway arrived at Baylor after spending the previous two seasons with the Florida Gators. In 2024, he threw for 1,915 yards with 12 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Last season, he posted 2,264 passing yards, 16 touchdowns and 14 interceptions before transferring.

Baylor enters Saturday still looking for its first win of the 2026 college football season. The game is set for 8:08 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

In Other News...

Florida Is Chasing A Jacksonville Star Who Could Reopen A Crucial Pipeline

Jon Sumrall and Florida are putting real time into one of the countrys most coveted young defenders, Jacksonville edge rusher Asher Ghioto. The 2028 prospect is rated by Rivals/On3 and the 247Sports Composite as the nations top edge rusher, and Floridas push has already included multiple visits to Gainesville. For a program that has long valued its North Florida connections, landing a player with that profile would mean more than just another recruiting win.

Steve Wiltfong has said Florida is currently in the best position to land Ghioto, which is notable given the crowded field around him. Miami, Georgia, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Texas, Texas A&M and Notre Dame are all in the mix, so there is still plenty of competition ahead. Even so, Floridas early traction suggests the Gators may have a real shot to reopen a crucial pipeline in their own backyard. [Read more 🡒]

Former Florida Coach Sees Something Gators Fans Will Love In This Staff

After Floridas season-opening win over FAU, Geoff Collins came away impressed with the way Jon Sumrall and Buster Faulkner have put this staff together. The former Gators coach has seen enough of the operation, from practice habits to game-day execution, to believe Florida fans have reason to like what theyre watching early in the year.

Collins singled out Faulkner for an offense that looked effective and hard to pin down, while also crediting Sumrall for the way he runs a disciplined practice and communicates plainly with his players. It is the kind of outside validation that matters early, especially when a new staff is trying to establish both identity and trust at the same time. [Read more 🡒]

Florida May Need This New Receiver Sooner Than Expected

Bailey Stocktons first game in a Florida uniform gave the Gators a quick glimpse of why he was brought in, and why his arrival could matter sooner rather than later. Against the Owls, the wide receiver made his debut with three catches for 20 yards and a touchdown, showing a level of comfort that stood out in a newly forming passing attack.

Stocktons score came on a 12-yard throw from quarterback Aaron Philo, a familiar connection that dates back to their time together at Georgia Tech and Prince Avenue Christian School. Coaches and Stockton have both pointed to his speed, toughness and receiving ability, but the early chemistry with Philo may be just as important if Florida needs him to settle into a bigger role quickly. [Read more 🡒]