NCAA Football: Florida at Louisiana State
Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

DJ Lagway is leaving the Florida Gators. Lagway will enter the NCAA Transfer Portal after a rough season in Gainesville, the quarterback announced. The former Gators quarterback has two years of eligibility remaining, meaning he won’t be able to go pro until the 2027 NFL Draft.

In 2025, Lagway threw for 2,264 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions, leading Florida to a 4-8 record. It was a tough season for the true sophomore, as he struggled to perform amidst the drama in the football program. Florida fired head coach Billy Napier after a 3-4 start, but the losses kept piling up.

Lagway is one of the best college football quarterbacks in the NCAA Transfer Portal, so he should be in high demand. Below, we dive into the five best destinations for Lagway as he searches for his new football program.

LSU Tigers

Jan 12, 2020; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; An LSU Tigers helmet on display before the head coaches press conference for the CFP with LSU Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron and Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney at the Sheraton New Orleans, Grand Ballroom. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

The LSU Tigers are looking for a big slash at quarterback. With Lane Kiffin serving as the new head coach, Lagway would benefit from being in his system. Trinidad Chambliss thrived with Kiffin, leading the Ole Miss Rebels to their best season ever. LSU should be among his top schools of interest, which is all due to Kiffin and his offensive expertise.

Miami Hurricanes

Sep 30, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; A general view of a Miami Hurricanes helmet in the end zone prior to the game between the Miami Hurricanes and the Virginia Cavaliers at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Hurricanes have a proven track record when it comes to developing quarterbacks. Cam Ward was the first pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, while Carson Beck led the Hurricanes to the College Football Playoff this season. Miami would be a great landing spot for Lagway, as he would receive a good amount of NIL money and a longer runway for his development.

Clemson Tigers

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Clemson Tigers were one of the finalists for Lagway when he was coming out of high school. Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney really wanted to bring the 20-year-old quarterback to the program, and now he has another opportunity. With Cade Klubnik running out of eligibility, Clemson can pursue Lagway as their starting quarterback, hoping to rise back to the top of college football.

Baylor Bears

Jan 1, 2022; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baylor Bears helmets on the sidelines in the first quarter of the 2022 Sugar Bowl at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

The Baylor Bears are a natural fit for Lagway due to his connections with the program. Lagway’s father played at Baylor, and his hometown is roughly two hours away from the school. The Bears also have an opening at quarterback as Sawyer Robertson has no more eligibility. Baylor would be a homecoming for Lagway, and they should be ruled out despite other elite options.

Texas Tech Red Raiders

Oct 16, 2021; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; A general view of a Texas Tech Red Raiders helmet against the Kansas Jayhawks during the first half at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2021; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; A general view of a Texas Tech Red Raiders helmet against the Kansas Jayhawks during the first half at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

The Texas Tech Red Raiders are big spenders in the NCAA Transfer Portal, which is one reason why they have a bye in the College Football Playoff. The Red Raiders should be in the market for a quarterback, and Lagway would be a great fit. Lagway should see interest from multiple top college football programs, but Texas Tech could be the best after winning the Big 12 Championship this year.

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Austin Konenski is a sports writer at Sportsnaut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA, and College Football. His work ... More about Austin Konenski