Florida QB DJ Lagway releases statement about entering NCAA transfer portal

DJ Lagway released a heartfelt statement about his intentions to enter the NCAA transfer portal Monday. The Florida QB played two years with the Gators but will explore his options for 2026.

Lagway signed with the Gators in 2024 as the crown jewel of Billy Napier’s recruiting class. Over the next two years, he appeared in 21 games and was the team’s full-time starter in 2025. After ending his first campaign by leading the Gators to five wins in their final six games, he came into this year with Heisman buzz and high expectations.

But the 6-foot-3, 247-pounder struggled mightily with turnovers and inconsistency. Across the team’s 12 games, he completed under 60& of his passes while throwing for 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

“First and foremost, I want to thank God for every blessing he has place over my life,” Lagway said. “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 I am today without your love, guidance and sacrifice.

“To me friends and teammates – thank you for the brotherhood, the memories, and the bonds we’ve built over these past two years. I will carry those moments with me for a lifetime. To me coaches, the 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.”

It remains to be seen where Lagway will land. Napier is now the head coach at James Madison, as soon as JMU finishes their College Football Playoff run this year. Dots can be connected, but based on Lagway’s pedigree, he could command major interest from the best programs around.

As a high school prospect, Lagway was a Five-Star Plus+ recruit in the 2024 class. According to the Rivals Industry Ranking, an equally weighted average that utilizes all three major recruiting services, he was the nation’s No. 3 overall prospect and No. 1 quarterback.