DJ Lagway and new Florida HC Jon Sumrall had major fallout leading to star QB entering transfer portal: Report

DJ Lagway entered the transfer portal on Monday after two seasons at Florida. While Lagway's decision to leave the Gators comes as a big surprise, reports claim that the quarterback wanted to remain in Florida, but had a falling out with recently-hired coach Jon Sumrall.

According to CBS, a source close to Lagway said the QB would have preferred to stay in Gainesville.

"He wanted to be (at Florida)," the source said.

Lagway committed to Florida in 2024. The likes of Clemson, USC, Baylor, Texas A&M, and a few other top programs were also closely monitoring the QB at the time.

Reports claim that Lagway's initial meeting with the new Florida coaching staff did not go well. Sumrall, who was hired by the Gators on Nov. 30, raised some questions about who the QB was as a football player. Sumrall's new staff also reportedly opted to challenge the Lagway by pushing him on his competitiveness and work ethic.

"Sumrall questioned what he's about," one source said.

Some have also suggested that Lagway wasn't looking for a guarantee of a starting role at Florida. Instead, he wanted to know the staff's plans to find a way to develop and take his game to the next level. However, the QB felt like that wasn't presented by the new Florida brass.

"He (Lagway) didn't care about the money," a second source said. "He didn't care about them bringing someone else in. He just wanted to hear you have the ability and we want to coach it out of you."

Now, it will be interesting to see where Lagway ends up in 2026.

LSU HC Lane Kiffin hints at landing DJ Lagway in transfer portal

Florida Gators QB DJ Lagway - Source: Imagn

When On3's Pete Nakos shared an article about DJ Lagway entering the transfer portal on Monday, LSU coach Lane Kiffin raised eyebrows with his social media activity.

Kiffin reposted Nakos' tweet, suggesting that he might look to poach Lagway and bring the QB to Baton Rouge.

Kiffin had been in the spotlight a few weeks ago after his split from Ole Miss, having led the Rebels to their first 11-win season and their first College Football Playoff appearance.

However, on Nov. 30, Kiffin announced he would be taking the coaching job at LSU, which drew backlash. Nonetheless, Kiffin is on the lookout to recruit top talent at Baton Rouge, and Lagway just might be at the top of his wishlist.

Edited by Arnold