In a jaw-dropping twist that has sent shockwaves through college football, five-star quarterback DJ Lagway, the No. 3 overall prospect in the 2024 class per 247Sports, has flipped his commitment from the Florida Gators to the Texas Longhorns, as announced on June 13, 2025, via ESPN. The 6-foot-2, 239-pound signal-caller from Willis, Texas, stunned fans and analysts alike, reversing his December 2022 pledge to Florida after a standout freshman season. Lagway’s decision, driven by Texas’ elite coaching, NFL pipeline, and home-state allure, reshapes the Longhorns’ 2026 outlook and leaves Florida scrambling.
Lagway’s 2024 campaign with Florida was electrifying, earning him FWAA Freshman All-American honors. After starter Graham Mertz’s season-ending ACL injury, Lagway stepped in, throwing for 1,071 yards, six touchdowns, and five interceptions across seven starts, leading the Gators to a 6-1 record, including a 33-8 Gasparilla Bowl win over Tulane. His 456-yard, three-touchdown debut against Samford and victories over No. 22 LSU and No. 9 Ole Miss showcased his dual-threat prowess, with 114 rushing yards and a Texas 6A-record 58 touchdown passes from his senior year at Willis High School. Yet, a hamstring injury against Georgia in 2024, which sidelined him for a 49-17 loss to Texas, sparked reflection.
Texas, led by Steve Sarkisian, capitalized on Lagway’s home-state ties and the Longhorns’ 11-2 2024 season, which included a 38-24 CFP quarterfinal win over Clemson. Sarkisian’s quarterback development—evidenced by Quinn Ewers’ 2024 success (3,977 yards, 27 touchdowns)—and Texas’ No. 1-ranked pass defense (135.8 yards allowed per game) offered an ideal fit. Lagway cited Sarkisian’s offensive system, which blends RPO and play-action, and the presence of stars like Anthony Hill Jr. as key factors. “Texas is building something special, and I want to lead it,” Lagway said on ESPN, echoing his 2022 praise for Florida’s system but now drawn to Austin’s momentum and Matthew McConaughey’s cultural influence.
Florida’s loss is devastating. Coach Billy Napier, already under pressure after back-to-back 6-7 seasons before 2024’s 7-5 finish, faces scrutiny as Lagway was the centerpiece of the Gators’ No. 3-ranked 2024 class. With receiver Eugene Wilson III out for 2025 due to hip surgery, Florida now leans on Yale transfer Aidan Warner or Colorado State transfer Clay Millen, neither matching Lagway’s upside. Social media erupted, with Gators fans on X lamenting, “Losing DJ hurts worse than the Georgia game,” while Longhorns fans posted, “Hook ‘em! Lagway’s home!”
Texas’ 2026 class, already featuring four-star receiver Tristen Keys, gains a cornerstone in Lagway, positioning them to challenge SEC rivals like Georgia, who landed Jared Curtis. Florida, meanwhile, pivots to 2026 quarterback Deshawn Purdie from the transfer portal. As Texas prepares for its 2025 opener against Ohio State, Lagway’s commitment, alongside McConaughey’s statue and Teagan Kavan’s global impact, signals a Longhorn renaissance poised to dominate the SEC.
