DJ Lagway: Hereโs Why I Decided to Decommit from Florida Gators and Join the Ohio State Buckeyes
In a decision that sent shockwaves through the college football recruiting world, five-star quarterback DJ Lagway announced he has officially decommitted from the University of Florida and will be joining the Ohio State Buckeyes for the 2025 season. The highly-touted signal-caller from Willis, Texas, had been committed to the Gators since late 2022, but after months of reflection, conversations with his family, and recent developments in Gainesville and Columbus, Lagway made the difficult yet confident move.
Lagway, ranked among the top quarterbacks in the nation, explained his reasoning in an exclusive statement on Tuesday. โFlorida will always have a special place in my heart. The coaching staff, the fans, theyโve shown me nothing but love from day one,โ he said. โBut as I grew in my development, and as the landscape changed around me, I had to make the best decision for my futureโnot just in football, but in life.โ
One of the biggest factors behind Lagwayโs decision appears to be the coaching turnover and inconsistent performance of the Gators in recent seasons. โI needed stability, a system that fits my playing style, and a program that consistently competes on the biggest stages,โ Lagway added. โOhio State checked every box.โ
The Buckeyes, who have become a quarterback powerhouse in recent years with names like C.J. Stroud and Justin Fields, quickly emerged as a top destination once whispers of Lagwayโs wavering commitment surfaced. With offensive-minded head coach Ryan Day at the helm and a strong supporting cast of receivers and linemen, Ohio State made a compelling pitch.
โThe culture at Ohio State is elite. I felt it the moment I stepped on campus. The brotherhood, the expectation of excellence, and the plan they laid out for me made it impossible to ignore,โ Lagway said. โItโs a place where I know I can grow, compete for national championships, and prepare for the NFL.โ
Gator fans, though understandably disappointed, have expressed support for Lagwayโs decision on social media, praising him for handling the situation with maturity and honesty.
While decommitments are part of the recruiting journey, DJ Lagwayโs switch is particularly significant given his star status and leadership presence. As he prepares for his senior year of high school, all eyes will be on his performance and how he continues to develop ahead of his Buckeye debut.
In the ever-changing world of college football recruiting, one thing remains certain: DJ Lagwayโs story is far from overโand it just entered an exciting new chapter in Columbus.
