Florida Linked to ACC Transfer QB After DJ Lagway Departure
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Things will look extremely different for the Florida Gators when the 2026 college football season rolls around. Aside from firing head coach Billy Napier after he posted a 22-23 record across four seasons, the Gators are also expected to lose former five-star quarterback DJ Lagway to the transfer portal.
With Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall set to take over after his team’s College Football Playoff run, one of his biggest tasks when he officially settles in Gainesville is finding a quarterback. Despite being viewed as an elite dual threat at 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds, Lagway struggled to stay healthy and protect the football.
He went through nearly all of spring, throwing in a limited capacity while nursing a shoulder injury, and dealt with a calf issue in addition to other issues. On the field, he threw for 2,2264 yards with 16 touchdowns and 14 picks this year. A report from CBS Sports’ Chris Hummer specifically said that Lagway wanted to remain a Gator, but clearly, Sumrall was willing to part ways.
Despite Sumrall’s focus being on Tulane’s playoff game, the Gators have already been linked to a high-profile transfer.
According to a report by On3’s Pete Nakos, the Gators have been in contact with Georgia Tech transfer Aaron Philo.
“Sources tell On3 that Florida is the school to watch at this point for Georgia Tech transfer quarterback Aaron Philo,” wrote Nakos. “If Philo landed in Gainesville, he would play for his former Georgia Tech offensive coordinator, Buster Faulkner, who took the role with the Gators earlier this month.”
With the connection already in place with Philo and Faulkner, it could be a perfect marriage for the Gators. The Georgia native logged passing attempts in just one game, as he completed 21-of-28 passes for 373 yards and a touchdown in a 59-12 win over Gardner Webb.
It’s unclear if he’d be the only quarterback the Gators bring in, but he certainly seems to be trending toward Gainesville rather than replacing Haynes King.
Related: Nation’s Leading QB in Passing Yards to Enter College Football Transfer Portal
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 17, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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