Florida QB DJ Lagway Enters Transfer Portal After Two Seasons as Gators’ Starter
Another major name is on the move in college football. Florida quarterback DJ Lagway announced Monday that he’s entering the NCAA transfer portal, officially closing the book on his two-year run as the Gators’ starter.
Lagway, once one of the crown jewels of Florida’s 2024 recruiting class, came in with top-10 national billing and high expectations. Over two seasons in Gainesville, he started 24 games and finished with a 12-12 record. His decision to transfer marks another chapter in what’s been a turbulent stretch for Florida football.
In a lengthy message posted to social media, Lagway expressed gratitude for his time in Gainesville, writing: “I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have been part of such an incredible program here at the University of Florida… After much prayer, reflection, and thoughtful consideration, I have decided to enter the transfer portal.”
The timing of Lagway’s move is notable, coming just weeks after Florida hired Jon Sumrall away from Tulane to be the program’s new head coach. With Billy Napier let go in mid-October and interim coach Billy Gonzales finishing out the season, the Gators stumbled to a 1-4 record down the stretch. That instability at the top may have played a role in Lagway’s decision to look elsewhere.
From a performance standpoint, Lagway showed clear growth between his freshman and sophomore seasons. In 2025, he completed 63.2% of his passes for 2,264 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions.
That was a step up from his first year, when he completed 59.9% of his throws for 1,915 yards, 12 touchdowns, and nine picks. He saw more playing time this past season, and while the interception numbers are higher than you'd like, the uptick in completion percentage and overall production suggests a quarterback who’s still developing.
Lagway’s skill set-big arm, mobile enough to extend plays, and now with two full seasons of SEC experience under his belt-should make him one of the more intriguing names in the transfer portal. He’s not a finished product, but there’s a lot to like, especially for programs that need a proven starter with room to grow.
As for Florida, this marks yet another reset at the quarterback position, just as the program begins a new era under Sumrall. The Gators will now have to retool not just their offensive identity, but their leadership under center as well.
Where Lagway lands next will be one of the key storylines to watch as the offseason unfolds. He may not have reached his ceiling yet in Gainesville, but his next stop could be the place where it all clicks. Stay tuned-this transfer cycle is just heating up.