DJ Lagway: NIL Deal | Who Does He Play For | Is He Playing Today | Height

Derek “DJ” Lagway has entered a new chapter of his college football career in 2026. After spending his first two collegiate seasons with the Florida Gators, the highly rated quarterback transferred to the Baylor Bears and became one of the biggest names on the program’s roster.

Lagway’s move has also generated considerable interest around his NIL deal, his current team, his playing status and his physical profile. Here is everything fans need to know.

Who does DJ Lagway play for?

DJ Lagway plays for the Baylor Bears in 2026.

Lagway transferred to Baylor after leaving Florida following the 2025 season. His transfer gave Baylor one of the most recognizable quarterback additions in the country.

The move also has a strong personal connection. Lagway is from Willis, Texas, and his father, Derek Lagway Sr., played football at Baylor. The quarterback has therefore described his return to Baylor as a homecoming and an opportunity for a fresh start.

Florida, meanwhile, replaced Lagway by naming Georgia Tech transfer Aaron Philo its starting quarterback for the 2026 season.

DJ Lagway NIL deal

One of the biggest questions surrounding Lagway has been his NIL deal with Baylor.

A publicly reported figure from Sports Illustrated listed Lagway at approximately $1.8 million in Baylor’s 2026 NIL valuation. That figure was described as an estimated value rather than a publicly disclosed salary or guaranteed contract.

It is important to distinguish between an NIL valuation and confirmed cash compensation. College athletes can have multiple sponsorships, collective agreements and commercial opportunities, and not every reported valuation represents money directly paid to the player.

Before transferring, Lagway was already one of college football’s most marketable players. Florida reported that his On3 NIL valuation had reached approximately $3.8 million in 2025, with reported partnerships including Gatorade, Nintendo, Epic Games and Leaf Trading Cards.

Reports at the time of his Baylor commitment said that the exact financial terms of his new Baylor NIL arrangement had not been publicly disclosed.

Is DJ Lagway’s NIL deal worth $3 million?

There have been different estimates surrounding Lagway’s NIL value.

Some outlets have published estimates in the $3 million-plus range, while other 2026 reporting has placed his Baylor-specific roster value around $1.8 million. These numbers should not be treated as an official salary unless Baylor or Lagway publicly confirms the exact terms.

Therefore, the safest answer is that Lagway has a substantial NIL valuation, but his exact total compensation is not publicly confirmed.

Is DJ Lagway playing today?

As of Sunday, September 6, 2026, Lagway is not playing today because Baylor’s Week 1 game was played on Saturday, September 5.

Lagway made his Baylor debut against Auburn in the Aflac Kickoff Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Baylor lost the dramatic contest 17-16.

Lagway was heavily involved in the game. Baylor’s official game center lists him with 333 passing yards, while his late touchdown pass gave the Bears a chance to win with a two-point conversion in the final seconds.

The potential game-winning conversion fell short, allowing Auburn to escape with the victory.

DJ Lagway vs. Auburn

Lagway’s first game for Baylor was an eventful one.

Baylor trailed 17-10 late in the fourth quarter before mounting a final drive. Lagway connected with Gavin Freeman for a five-yard touchdown, bringing the Bears within one point with nine seconds remaining.

Baylor elected to go for two rather than kick the extra point and send the game toward overtime.

Lagway rolled to his right and found tight end Matthew Klopfenstein near the goal line. However, Auburn safety Eric Winters stopped the play inches short of the goal line, preserving Auburn’s 17-16 win.

Despite the defeat, Lagway’s 333 passing yards showed why Baylor made him one of its most important offseason additions.

How tall is DJ Lagway?

DJ Lagway is listed at 6 feet 3 inches tall (6’3″).

Florida’s official recruiting profile listed him at 6-3 and 238 pounds, while Florida later described him as a 6-foot-3 quarterback weighing 247 pounds.

His size is one of the physical characteristics that helped make him a highly rated quarterback coming out of high school.

DJ Lagway’s college career

Lagway entered Florida as a consensus five-star recruit from Willis High School in Texas.

According to Florida’s official bio, he was rated among the nation’s top recruits and was selected ahead of programs including Miami, Georgia, Clemson, Alabama and LSU before choosing the Gators.

He quickly made an impact at Florida.

As a freshman in 2024, Lagway became a starter after Graham Mertz suffered a season-ending injury. He finished the season with six wins in seven starts and earned multiple Freshman All-American honors.

His second season was more difficult, however, with injuries and inconsistency contributing to Florida’s disappointing 4-8 campaign. He subsequently entered the transfer portal and ultimately chose Baylor.

Why did DJ Lagway transfer to Baylor?

Several factors made Baylor an attractive destination.

First, Lagway had a strong personal connection to the university through his family. Second, Baylor offered him an opportunity to reset his career after a difficult second season at Florida.

The move also gives Lagway a chance to establish himself as one of the leading quarterbacks in the 2027 NFL Draft conversation. Recent scouting coverage has identified him as one of the intriguing quarterbacks to watch during the 2026 college season.

DJ Lagway 2026 outlook

The Baylor quarterback entered the season under significant pressure because of his recruiting pedigree, NIL valuation and NFL potential.

His debut against Auburn was disappointing from a team perspective because Baylor lost by one point. However, throwing for 333 yards and leading a late touchdown drive showed plenty of positive signs.

Baylor will now look to rebound from its 0-1 start, with Lagway expected to remain central to the offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is DJ Lagway still at Florida?

No. Lagway transferred from Florida to Baylor for the 2026 season. Florida named Aaron Philo its starting quarterback after Lagway’s departure.

What team does DJ Lagway play for?

He plays quarterback for the Baylor Bears in the Big 12.

How tall is DJ Lagway?

Lagway is listed at 6-foot-3.

What is DJ Lagway’s NIL deal?

His exact Baylor NIL contract has not been publicly disclosed. A 2026 estimate from Sports Illustrated placed his Baylor roster value at about $1.8 million, while other estimates have placed his overall NIL valuation higher.

Did DJ Lagway play on September 6, 2026?

No. Baylor played Auburn on September 5. Lagway started that game and threw for 333 yards in Baylor’s 17-16 loss.

Final thoughts

DJ Lagway’s transfer to Baylor has made him one of the most closely watched quarterbacks in college football. The former Florida star brings five-star recruiting credentials, significant NIL value and NFL-level potential to Waco.

His first Baylor game ended in heartbreak against Auburn, but his 333-yard passing performance provided an encouraging individual start.

As the 2026 season continues, Lagway’s performance at Baylor will be closely followed by college football fans, NFL scouts and NIL watchers alike.