D.J. Lagway to Enter Transfer Portal: Florida’s Star QB Set to Shake Up 2026 College Football Landscape
In a move that’s already sending shockwaves through the college football world, Florida Gators quarterback D.J. Lagway has informed the UF coaching staff that he plans to enter the 2026 transfer portal when it opens in January.
Lagway isn’t just any quarterback-he’s one of the most coveted signal-callers in recent memory. A former five-star recruit out of Willis High School in Texas, Lagway was the top-ranked player in the Lone Star State and the No. 1 quarterback in the 2024 class, according to 247Sports. His commitment to Florida was a major win for the Gators at the time, and his potential was evident from the start.
So yeah, this one’s a stunner.
Just recently, Lagway told reporters he planned to stay in Gainesville. That makes this reversal even more surprising-and it’s not just fans in Florida who are paying attention. This is the kind of decision that can tilt the balance of power in college football, especially with the transfer portal and NIL era in full swing.
Despite battling through an injury in 2025, Lagway still managed to put together a solid campaign. Sure, there were some growing pains-particularly a few costly interceptions late in the season-but the raw talent and upside remain undeniable. He’s still viewed as one of the top quarterbacks in the college game, and wherever he lands next, he’s likely to command one of the most lucrative NIL deals we’ve seen to date.
To add another layer of intrigue, Lagway’s recruitment out of high school had its own twists. Texas, a program known for quarterback development under Steve Sarkisian, never offered him a scholarship.
That’s right-despite being the top QB in Texas, the Longhorns passed. Instead, schools like Texas A&M, Houston, and SMU were in the mix.
Now, with Lagway back on the market, that decision might come back into focus.
So where does he go from here?
Expect a long line of suitors. Programs with quarterback needs and strong NIL backing are already lining up. Clemson, Texas Tech, Miami, and possibly Louisville are among the early names to watch-schools that either had ties to Lagway during his initial recruitment or now have the resources to make a serious push.
Lagway’s next move won’t just fill a roster spot-it could reshape a program’s trajectory. He’s the kind of quarterback who can change a season, maybe even a program’s national standing. And in today’s college football landscape, where elite QBs are the most valuable asset on the field, Lagway’s decision could be the first domino in a wild 2026 offseason.
Stay tuned. This one’s just getting started.