DJ Lagway is returning to Texas after two seasons with Florida, signing with Baylor on January 18 and becoming the program’s highest-rated recruit in history. He enters Waco with a chip on his shoulder, determined to prove he is still the five-star recruit Baylor will depend on this season.
DJ Lagway Reacts to Pressure About Transferring to a New Program After Two Seasons With Florida
During an interview with 365 Sports’ David Smoak, Lagway opens up about his transfer to the Big 12 program, which is looking to improve on its 5-7 (3-6 Big 12)Â record from last season. Smoak asked the incoming junior about the pressure of being labeled the savior to get Baylor back on track.
Lagway confidently responded, saying he is not pressured by what Baylor fans want him to become and that he is focusing on areas he seeks to improve, including his leadership skills and getting to know his new teammates.
“No. Not at all. I just try to focus on getting better each and every day and just working on the things that I need to work on and just trying to become a better leader and trying to know my guys,” the quarterback said. “That’s my biggest thing, knowing my teammates, getting to know them on and off the field and things like that.”
Lagway was also asked about his health and said he is in the best shape of his life, thanking Baylor’s strength and conditioning staff for making it possible. Last season, he ranked 145th in PFSN’s CFB QB Impact Metrics with a score of 71.2.
“I’m in the best shape of my life, man. It’s the best I’ve felt since high school,” he said. “The strength staff, the nutrition staff, and the health staff. They’ve done a tremendous job having a plan for me and and I’m just I’m so thankful for those guys.”
The former Florida quarterback admitted he was frustrated not being able to practice during the 2025 offseason because of the injury he sustained then. He missed valuable developmental time with his teammates, time that could have helped the team improve its 4-8 record and possibly make the bowl games, if not for the injury.
MORE: DJ Lagway Saved Billy Napier’s Job but One Year Later, Both Are Gone From Florida
Now, he takes everything seriously, given the events that occurred before his transfer to Baylor. He treats his move to the Bears as a blessing, and he is thankful to everyone who made it possible.
“I’ve been having little conversations with guys and being able to tell them every little thing matters. You got to take care of your body and you got to do the little things,” he said.
Lagway decided to sign with Baylor over Florida State, Virginia, and Ole Miss, following in the footsteps of his father, Derek, who played as a Bears running back from 1997 to 2001. He will bring to Waco his experience playing two seasons with Florida, including his 62.0% career passing rate, 4,179 total passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and 23 interceptions.
