DJ Lagway Enters Transfer Portal: LSU, Miami Emerge as Top Suitors for Former 5-Star QB
The college football carousel is spinning fast, and one of the most intriguing names to hit the transfer portal this week is Florida quarterback DJ Lagway. The former 5-star recruit and top-ranked dual-threat QB in the 2024 class is officially exploring his options after two up-and-down seasons in Gainesville.
Lagway came to Florida with sky-high expectations. The tools have always been there-elite athleticism, a strong arm, and the kind of mobility that makes defensive coordinators sweat.
But while the flashes of brilliance have been undeniable, so have the growing pains. Lagway’s time with the Gators has been marked by inconsistency, particularly when it comes to decision-making and ball security.
Still, it’s hard to ignore the upside. Over two seasons, Lagway completed 62.0% of his passes for 4,179 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 23 interceptions.
He saw action in 12 games as a true freshman and eventually took over the starting job after Graham Mertz went down with a season-ending injury. It was a trial by fire in the SEC, and while the results were mixed, the raw talent remains undeniable.
Now, with the portal wide open, it looks like Lagway won’t be short on suitors. According to On3’s Pete Nakos, LSU and Miami are expected to be two of the most aggressive programs in pursuit of the sophomore signal-caller.
“LSU and Miami are going to be the two biggest quarterback players in this market,” Nakos said earlier this week.
That’s not surprising. Both programs are looking to solidify their quarterback situations heading into 2026, and Lagway offers a high-ceiling option who could thrive in the right system. LSU, in particular, is an intriguing fit-especially with Lane Kiffin now at the helm.
Kiffin has built a reputation for maximizing quarterback talent, especially through the transfer portal. His recent work with Jaxson Dart and Trinidad Chambliss speaks for itself. If there's a coach who can help Lagway harness his raw ability and clean up the turnovers, it’s Kiffin.
Of course, that won’t be a small task. Lagway’s 2025 campaign was a rollercoaster, punctuated by a disastrous five-interception performance against LSU in Week 5.
That game was a microcosm of his struggles-flashes of elite playmaking followed by head-scratching decisions under pressure. SEC defenses have made life tough on him, and any team looking to bring him in will need a clear development plan.
But the potential payoff? Huge.
Lagway remains one of the most intriguing quarterback talents in the country. He’s still just a sophomore, and with the right coaching and system, he could blossom into a game-changing presence under center. LSU and Miami appear ready to bet on that upside.
As the portal saga unfolds, keep an eye on Baton Rouge and Coral Gables. DJ Lagway’s next move could not only reshape his career-it might shift the balance of power in the Power 4 quarterback landscape.