Coming off the Florida Gators’ 20-10 loss to LSU on September 13, questions swirled not only around head coach Billy Napier but also sophomore quarterback DJ Lagway. The former five-star recruit had a disastrous outing in Baton Rouge, throwing five interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown.
With Napier’s job seemingly on the line week to week, Lagway’s future is also in doubt moving forward. He might even get a glimpse of a possible transfer destination when the Gators travel to Hard Rock Stadium this weekend to face the No. 4 Miami Hurricanes.
While breaking down the Week 4 matchup, On3’s Andy Staples and Ari Wasserman speculated about Lagway’s future.
“I’m super excited for DJ Lagway to be a Heisman finalist at another school next year. It’s going to be great,” Wasserman joked on their September 14 podcast.
“It could be Miami,” Staples replied. “I’m not kidding.”
“That would be something,” Wasserman added.
Miami Hurricanes Could Be Looking for Next QB After Carson Beck
Miami head coach Mario Cristobal has built a reputation as one of the sport’s most aggressive recruiters, particularly when it comes to quarterbacks. That persistence has paid off in recent seasons with two of the top transfers at the position.
In 2024, the Hurricanes landed Washington State transfer Cam Ward, who went on to shatter multiple school records and finish as a Heisman Trophy finalist while leading Miami to a 10-3 season and just shy of the College Football Playoff. This year, Georgia transfer Carson Beck has picked up where Ward left off, guiding Miami to a 3-0 start with wins over No. 6 Notre Dame and No. 18 USF.
Through three games, Beck has looked like an early Heisman favorite, completing 79.3% of his passes for 812 yards, eight total touchdowns, and just two interceptions. But like Ward, Beck is expected to be a one-and-done, meaning Miami could once again be in the market for a new starter in 2026.
Why DJ Lagway Would Make Sense at Miami
Behind Beck, Miami has little proven depth. Redshirt sophomore Emory Williams, who struggled in his brief appearance in last year’s Pop-Tart’s Bowl game, is the current backup. But he’s ultimately the reason Miami offered quarterback’s like Beck millions of dollars to come to Coral Gables. Freshman Luke Nickel is viewed as the program’s long-term answer, but he’s untested. Redshirt freshman Judd Anderson and 2026 commit Dereon Coleman will round out the depth chart next season.
In today’s college football, experience often outweighs potential. Miami has shown a willingness to lean on veteran transfers to stabilize the most important position on the field. Even though Lagway has struggled early in his Florida career, Miami could provide the reset he needs.
It did well for Ward, who parlayed it into becoming the No. 1 pick in this year’s NFL Draft. Beck could be following in his footsteps.
Through 10 career starts, Lagway has completed just 63.7% of his passes for 2,544 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. His inconsistency leaves plenty of questions, but as Miami has already proven with Ward and Beck, the program can be an ideal landing spot for quarterbacks seeking redemption — and the Hurricanes have shown they’re willing to pay to land them.
