Florida football's starting QB DJ Lagway enters transfer portal

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

Many had feared this day would arrive when it became clear that the Florida football program had taken a step back from its winning campaign last fall. One by one, the dominoes fell — including the firing of Billy Napier — leading to an overhaul of the Gators’ gridiron gang.

That bad news arrived on Monday morning, when sophomore starting quarterback DJ Lagway announced on social media that he is entering the NCAA transfer portal. The decision came after a season marred by injuries and poor performances for the gunslinger from Willis, Texas. He offered heartfelt words as he delivered his farewell message.

“Dear Gator Family,

“First and foremost, I want to thank God for every blessing he has placed over my life. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have been part of such an incredible program here at the University of Florida.

“To my family — your unwavering support means the world to me. I would not be the man or the athlete that I am today without your love, guidance and sacrifice.

“To my friends and teammates — Thank you for the brotherhood, the memories, and the bonds we’ve built over the past two years. I will carry those moments with me for a lifetime.

“To my coaches, athletic training staff, and every member of the University of Florida community — thank you for pouring into me, believing in me and showing me nothing but love and support throughout my time in Gainesville.

“After much prayer, reflection, and thoughtful consideration, I have decided to enter the transfer portal.

“With gratitude,

“DJ Lagway”

Lagway is the third Florida football player to announce their decision to transfer, along with wide receiver Muizz Tounkara and defensive lineman Tarvorise Brown. The portal opens on Friday, Jan. 2, and closes on Friday, Jan. 16.

DJ Lagway’s stats with Florida football

Lagway, who stands at 6-foot-3-inches and weighs 247 pounds, appeared in every game but one during his freshman campaign — the blowout loss at the Texas Longhorns — completing 115 of his 192 passing attempts (59.9%) for 1,915 yards and 12 touchdowns against an inflated nine interceptions.

The problem with the picks would, unfortunately, spill into the following season as well.

In 2025, the Gators’ gunslinger started all 12 games, completing 213 of 337 pass attempts (62%) for 2,264 yards and 16 touchdowns. However, he threw an SEC-leading 14 interceptions in the process, many of which were rally killers for his team and led to his benching in a few instances.

Lagway was plagued by a series of injuries during the offseason leading up to his sophomore, which most likely led to his struggles on the field this fall. Hopefully, he can heal up before taking the field for his next school, wherever that may be.

Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.

This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida football QB DJ Lagway enters transfer portal

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos