Could Baylor Provide DJ Lagway the Kind of Season That the Florida Gators Couldn't?

He's healthy, he's smiling, he's focused, and he's impressing NFL scouts. Could this be DJ Lagway's breakout year?

Florida quarterback DJ Lagway (2) leaves the field after beating Florida State 40-21 during an NCAA football game at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, November 29, Florida beat Florida State 40-21.2025. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun] | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

The look of a quarterback after beating their team's biggest rival to finish off their season shouldn't be one of dejection and disappointment. DJ Lagway's final game as a Florida Gator served as a fitting capstone to his time there, going 15-24 for 168 yds, three touchdowns, and one interception as the Gators beat the Seminoles 40-21.

Flashes of brilliance in the short passing game with all three of Lagway's passing touchdowns coming from inside the Seminole 10-yard line during the game. With the FSU game coming to an end, so to did Lagway's season and the completion of, and otherwise, mediocre stat sheet for the entirety of the season (213 completions on 337 attempts for 2,264 passing yards, a 63.2% completion rate, 16 touchdowns, 14 interceptions, and a 59.6 QBR).

A bright smile for a bright future.

Jul 7, 2026; Frisco, TX, USA; Baylor quarterback DJ Lagway takes questions from reporters during Big 12 Conference Football Media Days at The Star. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Compare the look and behavior of DJ Lagway in his new Baylor jersey to his last time on the field for the Florida Gators. It's all smiles and jovial responses to the questions posed to him during the Big 12 Conference Football Media Days. A much different demeanor and a level of charisma and confidence seemed to resonate from him as he fielded questions.

On the hotseat, but still as calm as ever.

Jul 7, 2026; Frisco, TX, USA; Baylor head coach Dave Aranda speaks to reporters during Big 12 Conference Football Media Days at The Star. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Notable for his stoicism and his general ability to remain perpetually calm, cool, and collected with his "person-over-player" approach, Coach Aranda might just be the exact kind of coach to help and allow DJ Lagway to truly excel. Team unity and camaraderie being very important to Aranda's philosophy as a coach could serve as the catalyst for Lagway, and the Baylor Bears, to have a surprisingly successful season.

Is DJ Lagway a Heisman hopeful?

Only time will tell. However, with his 6'3" frame and weighing roughly 240 lbs, paired with his ability to throw a tight spiral to his receiver and throw off a defender with his nimble feet, he has all of the size and the potential that he needs. All that Lagway needs to do now, is to be the best version of himself and declare to the rest of the Big 12 that "I am here" through his work on the field.

And Lagway will get a chance to impress early.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia will be the site of Baylor's first game of the season against Auburn, and it will also potentially be the first time that some Baylor fans will have gotten to see DJ Lagway play. And if Lagway wants to hush the critics and the nay-sayers, a strong showing against Auburn will go a long way. A win to start out the season certainly wouldn't hurt.

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