‘While many top quarterback prospects chase NIL deals and national titles, DJ Lagway’s transfer to Baylor was driven by something far more personal; it was a promise to his father. The quarterback made an emotional admission about what his father’s legacy means to him.

“As a kid going to Baylor games and, you know, seeing my pops, you know, wearing the green and gold and, you know, it’s just a blessing to be here,” DJ Lagway said to SicEm365 Director of Broadcasting and Recruiting Analyst Grayson Grundhoefer.

DJ Lagway’s commitment to Baylor is not just a portal move but a kid running to give back to his father’s legacy. Derek Lagway was a dynamic running back for the Bears from 1997-2001, who finished his career with them, rushing for more than 700 yards and recording 6 touchdowns.

The pressure to succeed is woven into the Lagway DNA. It’s not just his father’s legacy he’s upholding; his mother, Nikita, was a multi-sport athlete and is now a school board trustee, creating a household defined by high standards.

His father’s ties have helped him in a big way. Back in 2024, DJ Lagway attended the ESPY Awards with his parents, Derek and Nikita Lagway, and his brother, Jamal. Derek also helped him in his recruiting process, spending hours on the phone with Florida personnel analyst Joe Hamilton.

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Derek even helped him connect with former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III. He later on in 2025 also joined his podcast and talked about how his father helped him build that relationship.

“I was [in] about maybe ninth grade, eighth grade; I was just DMing him, you know, me and my dad were just DMing him about old pictures because my Dad went to Baylor,” Lagway said on Outta Pocket. “He ended up responding. I don’t know how he seen it … we just built a relationship from then on, so it was pretty cool.”

Lagway now faces the dual challenge of living up to his family’s legacy while trying to bounce back from a miserable 2025 season. Lagway completed the 2025 season with 16 touchdowns and 15 interceptions with a QBR rating below 60 under former head coach Billy Napier. No one saw that dip coming; even ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit couldn’t believe the fall.

“I really thought we’d see some big years from both of them coming out of the SEC. Lagway to me… I can’t quite figure him out,” Herbstreit said. “I thought, much like Sellers, we saw enough of him in 2024 to think he’d be everywhere in 2025, making plays.”

Much of that statistical dip, however, can be traced back to a significant injury that derailed his season. And before paying tribute to his father, DJ Lagway shared an update on his injury.

DJ Lagway injury update

DJ Lagway’s injury started when he suffered a shoulder injury following hernia surgery in 2025. Throughout the spring, he couldn’t practice with his team, and the result was that his performance took a hit.

Now, his move to Baylor comes at a very crucial time, as Dave Aranda is already sitting in a hot seat with a 5-7 season. So there’s no way he’s just taking any chances this season. However, there’s a sign of relief as Lagway gives out a positive update on his health.

“I’m in the best shape of my life, man,” Lagway said on the 365 Sports podcast. “This is the best I’ve felt since high school. The strength staff, nutrition staff, and even the health staff have done a tremendous job in having a plan for me. My body’s feeling really good right now.”

Despite his injury struggles, he had some good games too in the 2025 season. One of them was his 287-yard, five-touchdown performance against LSU. Whether he can translate that flash of brilliance into consistent success at Baylor will determine if he can truly honor his father’s legacy and forge his own.