In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the college football recruiting world, five-star quarterback DJ Lagway has flipped his commitment from the Florida Gators and pledged to join the South Carolina Gamecocks. The announcement, made just moments ago on March 4, 2025, at 11:10 PM WAT, marks a seismic shift for both programs and underscores the unpredictable nature of high-stakes recruiting. Lagway, one of the most coveted prospects in the 2024 class, had been a cornerstone of Florida’s future plans under head coach Billy Napier. Now, he’s set to don the garnet and black, giving South Carolina a transformative talent at the game’s most critical position.
Lagway, hailing from Willis High School in Texas, is no ordinary recruit. Rated as a consensus five-star prospect, he’s ranked among the top quarterbacks nationally, known for his rare blend of arm strength, mobility, and poise. During his senior year, he threw for a jaw-dropping 4,631 yards and a Texas Class 6A-record 58 touchdowns, while adding 975 rushing yards and 15 scores on the ground. His accolades include MaxPreps National Player of the Year and Mr. Texas Football honors, cementing his status as a generational talent. Initially committed to Florida since December 2022, Lagway’s decision to decommit and flip to South Carolina comes as a surprise, especially considering his standout freshman season with the Gators in 2024, where he stepped into the starting role after an injury to Graham Mertz and led the team to a 6-1 record in seven starts.
What prompted this dramatic change? While Lagway has yet to release an official statement, sources suggest that South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer and offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains made an aggressive, last-minute push. The Gamecocks likely sold Lagway on immediate playing time, a rising program with SEC pedigree, and a scheme tailored to his dual-threat skill set. South Carolina’s 2024 season, bolstered by quarterback LaNorris Sellers’ breakout performance, may have also signaled to Lagway that Columbia is a place where young signal-callers can thrive. The allure of staying closer to the SEC spotlight, combined with Florida’s recent struggles to maintain recruiting momentum under Napier, could have tipped the scales.
For South Carolina, this is a coup of epic proportions. The Gamecocks have historically struggled to land elite quarterback talent, often relying on transfers or under-the-radar recruits. Lagway’s arrival instantly elevates their ceiling, pairing him with a talented 2025 recruiting class that includes four-star wide receiver Malik Clark. His presence could spark a recruiting domino effect, drawing more top prospects to a program suddenly brimming with promise. Meanwhile, Florida faces a crushing blow. Losing Lagway, who was seen as the future of the program, leaves Napier scrambling to rebuild trust with fans and recruits alike.
As the news reverberates, Gamecock Nation is erupting in celebration, while Gator fans grapple with disbelief. Lagway’s flip to South Carolina isn’t just a commitment—it’s a statement. The SEC’s balance of power may have just shifted, and all eyes will be on Columbia to see how this prodigy reshapes the Gamecocks’ destiny.
