![Florida quarterback DJ Lagway (2) passes during the second half an NCAA football game at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, October 18, 2025. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_203,w_2395,h_1347/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/266/01k8429rg92x45k7r0p0.jpg "Florida quarterback DJ Lagway (2) passes during the second half an NCAA football game at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, October 18, 2025. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]")
The Florida Gators’ decision to part ways with head coach Billy Napier has raised immediate questions not just about the program’s direction but about the future of their young quarterback, DJ Lagway. Lagway was one of Napier’s highest‑profile recruiting wins and has been a fixture under center since early in his career. With the coaching staff that recruited him gone, the possibility that he may use the remainder of the season as an extended audition for his next destination is very real.
Lagway has publicly reaffirmed his commitment to Florida, stating his focus remains on the remaining games and improving as a player. But the reality of a coaching change, and how the program evolves under a new leader, creates uncertainty. He could well stay and build with the next coach, but the context also opens the door for a transfer scenario.
Why a Transfer to Oklahoma State Makes Sense
One intriguing possibility: Lagway could follow Napier, or at least the ripple effects of the coaching change could lead him to another Power 4 opportunity, such as Oklahoma State. With the Cowboys in transition themselves after a coaching change, landing a talent like Lagway would be a major coup. For Oklahoma State, pairing a fresh quarterback with a new staff could accelerate a program turnaround and attract both portal players and future high school recruits.
From Lagway’s perspective, the fit could be attractive. He’d inherit a program in motion, potentially step into a system designed around his strengths, and avoid the uncertainty of adapting to a new scheme at Florida without the coach who recruited him. If Lagway is available, OSU needs to start saving their money and getting more donors now. Money talks even if that means without Napier being in the future plans for this team. While nothing is decided, the transfer option cannot be dismissed.
What Florida Needs to Do to Retain Him
Florida’s athletic department and incoming coach will have to move quickly to reassure Lagway that he remains central to the program’s future. Allowing him a voice in the search process, mapping out how his role fits into the next offensive scheme, and demonstrating commitment to building around him would help. The longer uncertainty lasts, the more likely external opportunities will gain appeal. If Lagway feels like an afterthought, his transfer window may open sooner than many expect.
The Decision‑Making Window
Lagway’s decision likely won’t be made public immediately. For now, he stays on mission: finishing the 2025 season strongly, continuing development and evaluating how the program reshapes itself in real time. Internally, though, he must ask: will I stay and build in Gainesville under a new regime, or do I strike while the portal opens and find a better fit now?
If Florida plays its cards right, he stays. If not, Oklahoma State may be waiting.
Final Thoughts
This coaching change at Florida isn’t just about a head coach’s job, it’s about the ripple effects across the roster and the future of key players like DJ Lagway. While he remains a Gator for now, the context of a changing staff, scheme and culture means this could be more than just a season‑end evaluation. It could be a turning point for his college career. Florida has a chance to make him the focal point of the rebuild. If they don’t, other programs — Oklahoma State included — might see a golden opportunity.