ESPN names five best fits for DJ Lagway following transfer portal announcement

QB DJ Lagway just became one of the top available names in the NCAA Transfer Portal, as, on Monday, he shared his intentions to leave Florida. ESPN is now the latest outlet to look at where he could now end up once he hits the market for the rest of the NCAA.

In an article following his announcement this morning, ESPN’s Max Olson shared five programs where the best fit could be for Lagway. It includes one other option elsewhere in the SEC as well as two apiece in the Big 12 and the ACC.

On3’s Pete Nakos has also since shared a few schools to watch as far as a transfer recruitment for Lagway. Still, though, it remains early in this process, with more to play out until his name is officially in for once the window opens on January 2nd.

Here were those five programs that could be fits for Lagway, as shared today at ESPN:

Baylor Bears

Of the kinds of fits for him, home state and family ties could be a key, with Lagway being a native of Willis, Texas. That’s just two or so hours southeast of Waco, with Baylor, his father’s alma mater, maybe able to make a case to bring him in from the portal, especially with the offensive numbers, and certainly so in the passing game as of late, being posted by the Bears under OC Jake Spavital.

“Lagway would be a big splash for coach Dave Aranda and a program that badly needs some positive momentum,” they wrote at ESPN. “If the Bears can afford to get involved with a QB of his caliber, Lagway would be a no-brainer.”

LSU Tigers

Quarterback play is of importance regardless of where Lane Kiffin is coaching, with him now at LSU. He’ll now be in search of one to bring to Baton Rouge, with him having some sorts of familiarity with the scouting report on this kind of player in Lagway.

“Lane Kiffin and the new staff at LSU are hunting for an elite QB1 in the portal and should have plenty to choose from for Year 1…But Kiffin has gone head-to-head with Florida in each of the past two seasons and seriously considered taking the Florida job, so there’s no doubt he has already made an evaluation of Lagway,” they wrote at ESPN. “Kiffin reposting the news that Lagway is entering the portal on social media Monday morning was probably just intended to troll the Gators, but we’ll see if he’s interested.”

Clemson Tigers

Coming out of high school as a second-best recruit and top overall quarterback in his class, Lagway committed to Florida over several top programs, including Clemson. Now, with them maybe in need of a new quarterback, the Tigers could decide to go portaling to get his commitment this time around.

“The Tigers were a finalist for Lagway and Clemson was one of his favorite visits during his high school recruitment,” they wrote at ESPN. “Don’t be shocked if Swinney is interested in reconnecting with a QB who could be a perfect culture fit for a program that rarely dips into the portal.”

Miami Hurricanes

Miami is known for what it’s done of late, especially at the quarterback position the last two years, in the NCAA Transfer Portal. Lagway could be next in line with that in considering a possible transfer, although in-state from his last school, to The ‘U.

“The Hurricanes are likely going back to the portal for a third year in a row to find their starting QB after succeeding with Cam Ward and Carson Beck,” they wrote at ESPN. “(The) Hurricanes coaches are well aware of his upside if he’s put in a better situation next season.”

TCU Horned Frogs

Going back to the Lone Star State, Forth Worth is only an additional hour or so away from Willis, with TCU, also with a higher-rated offense, and success in the passing game, also possibly having a case to be made to Lagway. However, that could depend on what the position could look like in the coming days or weeks for the Horned Frogs.

“This could be a good move for the Horned Frogs if Josh Hoover elects to enter the transfer portal in January…If he does decide there’s a better opportunity elsewhere, TCU will be looking for an experienced replacement,” they wrote at ESPN.