WACO, Texas — Quarterback DJ Lagway is starting anew at Baylor University after experiencing significant difficulties during his tenure at the University of Florida. His struggles peaked during a tough game against LSU, where he threw five interceptions, leading to a decline in his mental health that prompted his mother, Nikita, to come to his aid.
Upon her arrival, she found him in a state of emotional distress, voicing feelings of abandonment. Nikita comforted him with the words, "God's got you," yet Lagway expressed feelings of despair, saying, "I think God forgot about me."
After a challenging 2025 season marked by injuries and errors, he made the decision to return to Texas, where he has family connections and a background with Baylor.
In Waco, Lagway is adjusting to his new surroundings. He has rekindled his relationship with head coach Dave Aranda, who acknowledged the emotional challenges Lagway endured. During a heartfelt discussion, Lagway shared his frustrations regarding his time in Gainesville, which Aranda noted as a pivotal moment that allowed for deeper communication with coaches and teammates.
Lagway describes his new life in Waco as more relaxed and expresses appreciation for the change. He is preparing to kick off the season with Baylor against Auburn, marking the beginning of this new chapter. As he looks ahead, Lagway aims to leave behind his past struggles and demonstrate his potential on the field with the Bears.
