As much as the Rebels would love to see the legend of Trindad Chambliss continue into 2026, you can always count on the NCAA to throw a wrench in their plans. But that’s a discussion for another day.
The reality is that the Rebels can’t afford to sit back and wait; they need to hit the ground running. Fortunately, in one of the most competitive markets in the transfer portal, attracting top-tier quarterbacks to Oxford doesn’t seem to be an issue.
We knew the Rebels were making a strong push for former Auburn QB Deuce Knight, who has arrived on campus for his official visit. However, another name on their radar is none other than former Florida Gator DJ Lagway. He will also be visiting Oxford today, despite remaining committed to his father’s alma mater, Baylor. Lagway continues to explore options and test the waters of the portal.
If you’ve ever heard me mention “That Willis Water,” it refers back to when I first started scouting Lagway at Willis High School just outside Houston a few years ago. There’s something special about the athletes emerging from that program—much like many hidden gems across Texas—and DJ Lagway is certainly one of them. Despite experiencing some ups and downs in his career so far, he possesses undeniable talent worth investing in. From what I’ve seen during various games, you simply can’t teach the kind of game-changing skills that Lagway brings.
His time at Florida shouldn’t solely define whether a program should take a chance on him. If we judged players solely based on their past performances, we wouldn’t have welcomed some of our best quarterbacks here at Ole Miss who went on to achieve great success. It’s crucial to consider fit and support systems around any athlete; these factors often dictate how well they perform at any position. The challenges he faced at Florida don’t fully reflect his potential—after all, this was a player who meticulously dissected one of Ole Miss’s strongest rosters last season for a victory.
Put Joe Judge’s coaching in his ear; this could create one of college football’s most lethal duos next season. In his sophomore year, Lagway threw for 2,264 yards with 16 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
When starting quarterback Graham Mertz suffered an injury at Florida, Lagway had his opportunity to showcase why he was regarded as five-star talent beyond high school accolades. In 2024, as a freshman, he stepped up for the Gators with 12 appearances under his belt. He threw for 1,915 yards with 12 touchdowns and nine interceptions while helping secure an 8-5 record—ultimately aiding Billy Napier’s job security.
The Scout
I understand that some people may feel put off when they hear an athlete described as a “raw” talent, but I view it differently. To me, this label signifies a player who still has room for development while possessing a gritty edge. Lagway embodies that grit and is an exceptionally adaptable dual-threat quarterback.
He showcases elite arm strength and big-play potential and excels at making off-platform throws. The talent is undeniable and translates well on the field; however, like any athlete, there’s always room for improvement and refinement. For Lagway, success hinges on surrounding him with a reliable and consistent supporting cast. This will not only bolster his consistency and accuracy—particularly on shorter throws—but also alleviate the pressure he faces so he isn’t constantly battling injuries. Much like some of the best quarterbacks who aren’t afraid to take risks to make plays, Lagway has that same fearless spirit. However, during his time at Florida, this tendency contributed to recurring injuries.
Lagway isn’t just a threat in the air; his dynamic mobility combined with a quick release allows him to make plays under pressure—an invaluable asset that makes him truly dangerous.
Every athlete experiences ups and downs throughout their seasons, but I believe this shouldn’t deter the Rebels from pursuing Lagway aggressively. If Ole Miss is searching for immediate high-caliber talent that can transition seamlessly into the SEC—a student of the game with strong leadership qualitieson and off the field—then Lagway should be their prime target to flip from Waco to Oxford. It remains to be seen if they can entice him away from playing under his family legacy and Baylor and in his home state.