DJ Lagway Hits the Portal - and Clemson Should Be Paying Close Attention
Clemson doesn’t need to hit the panic button at quarterback - but it does need a plan. And right now, that plan might include a serious look at DJ Lagway, the former five-star quarterback who just entered the NCAA transfer portal. For a Tigers program that’s still sorting out its long-term quarterback picture beyond the current cycle, Lagway’s availability is more than just a blip on the radar - it’s a rare opportunity.
This isn’t your average December portal entry. Lagway brings a unique mix of traits that make him one of the most intriguing names to hit the market this offseason: elite pedigree, real Power Five starting experience, and the kind of physical tools that don’t come around often.
Lagway’s Resume: Still Plenty of Talent in the Tank
Let’s start with the profile. Lagway came into college football with massive expectations.
He was the No. 1 quarterback and No. 3 overall player in the 2024 class - a Five-Star Plus+ prospect with the kind of upside that gets programs dreaming big. Florida thought they had their guy, the one who could stabilize the offense and lead a turnaround.
But his two seasons in Gainesville didn’t quite follow the script.
Lagway started full-time in 2025, but the results were mixed. He completed under 60% of his passes, with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions across 12 games.
The raw numbers tell part of the story, but the bigger picture was a Florida offense that never really found its footing. Turnovers, inconsistency, and a lack of structure defined Lagway’s season more than the flashes of brilliance that made him such a coveted recruit.
Still, the tools that made him elite haven’t gone anywhere. At 6-foot-3 and 247 pounds, Lagway is a physically imposing presence behind center. He’s got the arm to push the ball downfield, the mobility to extend plays, and the experience of running a Power Five offense - all traits that Clemson should value as it looks to add depth and upside to its quarterback room.
Why Clemson’s Interest Is Timely - and Strategic
Clemson wasn’t a major player in Lagway’s original recruitment, but the Tigers were certainly aware of him. Like most elite programs, they evaluated him early and tracked his development.
Ultimately, they went in a different direction in the 2024 cycle. But now?
The context has changed.
This isn’t about flipping a recruit mid-process. This is about reevaluating a once-elite prospect who’s now available in a new environment - one where fit, development, and structure might matter more than recruiting hype.
And that’s where Clemson has a real pitch to make.
Under offensive coordinator Garrett Riley, Clemson’s system is built on timing, decision-making, and quarterback development within a clearly defined structure. That’s a stark contrast to the chaos Lagway experienced at Florida, where instability and schematic inconsistency made it tough for any young quarterback to thrive.
Clemson can offer something Lagway didn’t have in Gainesville: stability, continuity, and a developmental track record. And that could be exactly what he needs to reset and grow.
Why This Makes Sense for Clemson
Let’s be clear - Clemson doesn’t need Lagway to walk in and be the next Trevor Lawrence. What it needs is depth, competition, and a potential long-term option with a high ceiling. Lagway checks all three boxes.
He’s not a project in the traditional sense. He’s a talented quarterback who’s already been through the fire.
He’s seen what it’s like to be the guy, to struggle, to learn on the job. And often, those experiences accelerate a quarterback’s growth more than anything else.
For Clemson, this is about building a quarterback room that can weather injuries, dips in form, and the natural ups and downs of college football. Lagway brings a level of upside that’s hard to find in the portal - especially for a player this young, this talented, and this experienced.
And just as importantly, Clemson doesn’t need to rush him. There’s no pressure to throw him into the fire right away. The Tigers can afford to be patient, giving Lagway time to recalibrate in a system designed to build quarterback confidence and rhythm.
The Bigger Picture
Not every quarterback in the portal is worth a look from a program like Clemson. But DJ Lagway isn’t just another name in the mix - he’s a rare case.
It’s not often a quarterback with this kind of pedigree, physical ability, and developmental upside hits the market this early in his career. And for a Clemson program that’s always been proactive - not reactive - when it comes to quarterback talent, this is exactly the kind of calculated move that could pay off in a big way.
Lagway isn’t a sure thing. But he doesn’t have to be. What he offers is a chance to invest in a high-upside quarterback who’s already learned some hard lessons - and might just be ready to take the next step in the right environment.
If Clemson wants to stay ahead of the curve at the game’s most important position, this is the kind of swing that makes sense.