WACO, Texas — Quarterback DJ Lagway is looking to revitalize his career at Baylor University after a tough stint at the University of Florida. His time in Gainesville was marred by a challenging season, highlighted by a game against LSU where he threw five interceptions, leading to a significant decline in his mental health.
In response, his mother, Nikita, rushed to support him during this difficult period.
Upon her arrival, Lagway was emotionally distressed and felt abandoned. Nikita offered her support, telling him, "God's got you," but he expressed feelings of despair, saying, "I think God forgot about me." Following a 2025 season riddled with injuries and mistakes, Lagway chose to transfer back to Texas, where he has family ties and a connection to Baylor.
Now in Waco, Lagway is adjusting to his new surroundings and has reconnected with head coach Dave Aranda, who acknowledged the emotional challenges Lagway faced. Their candid discussions have marked a turning point for Lagway, allowing for improved communication with his coaches and teammates. He describes life in Waco as "slower" and is thankful for the change.
As he prepares for the upcoming season opener against Auburn, Lagway hopes to leave behind his past struggles and demonstrate his potential with the Bears.
