Baylor QB DJ Lagway Feels Like Himself Again Under OC Jake Spavital

Former Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway shocked the college football world when he announced his departure from Gainesville via the transfer portal in December 2025. Despite a scramble for quarterbacks among the top programs in the portal, Lagway ultimately chose to join head coach Dave Aranda’s Baylor Bears, officially signing in January 2026.

The Bears had just lost veteran quarterback Sawyer Robertson to the NFL Draft process and had a significant vacancy at the position in Waco.

DJ Lagway Details Recovery After Difficult Florida Season

While speaking to reporters recently, Lagway detailed his close relationship with Baylor offensive coordinator Jake Spavital and how it has affected his recovery from a difficult season in Gainesville.

“Me and coach Spav’s relationship has been great,” Lagway said. “His ability to let me be me, to play freely. I feel good, kind of feeling like myself again. So, it feels good to just go out there and have fun and I know I have a coach who believes in me and wants me to succeed, so I’m excited for that.”

Lagway split time with Graham Mertz during his freshman season in 2024 before taking over as the primary starter during a 2025 sophomore campaign hampered by multiple injuries. Despite the individual struggles, Lagway remained a high-upside prospect, though the Gators finished the 2025 season with a 4-8 record.

He entered the 2025 season with high expectations, but a difficult performance against the LSU Tigers, including five interceptions, hindered the team’s momentum as the Gators struggled. This led to coach Billy Napier’s firing after a 3-4 start, Jon Sumrall’s hiring, and Lagway entering the transfer portal in mid-December.

While speaking to reporters over the weekend, Spavital outlined the qualities that make Lagway a special prospect, and the Bears’ offensive coordinator lavished further praise on the quarterback’s raw talent.

“When you’re in the SEC for two years, you just see that the timing, the pass rush is very important,” Spavital said. “And the way he can cancel out reads and get to that next one is pretty elite right now. But you can throw a lot at him, a lot of communication. There is no panic. There’s just a lot of poise.

“When it comes to DJ, DJ’s great. You can tell he’s played a lot of football. And you just see the anticipation and the poise that he has, just back in the pocket.”

Lagway earned a PFSN College QB Impact score of 71.2 after tallying 2,264 passing yards, resulting in 16 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, while adding 136 rushing yards and one touchdown for the Gators last season.