The exit of Brendan Sorsby from Texas Tech has turned the conversation toward who will ultimately claim the mantle of the Big 12’s best quarterback in 2026. While veteran holdovers such as Avery Johnson and Conner Weigman are set to return, the spotlight has shifted to a new wave of transfers who could reshape the conference’s dynamics.
A Fresh Wave of Transfers
Among the most talked‑about newcomers are Drew Mestemaker and Cutter Boley, both expected to make immediate impacts. Yet the name that dominates early speculation is DJ Lagway, a former five‑star prospect who left Florida for Baylor. His two‑year stint in Gainesville produced 4,179 passing yards, 28 touchdowns and 23 interceptions, a statistical line that hints at both promise and inconsistency.
CBS Sports analysts Chris Hummer and Matt Zenitz have already voiced cautious optimism about Lagway’s fit at Baylor. They note that his debut came in a game where he replaced 2025 All‑Big 12 selection Sawyer Robertson, instantly inheriting a prolific offensive system that previously delivered 6,762 yards and 59 touchdowns over two seasons.
Early Moments in Waco
Lagway’s first highlight arrived in a 29‑21 upset over Texas, where he completed 75% of his passes for nearly 300 yards. That performance earned a description from a source who called him “the real deal.” However, the same player also experienced a stark contrast a few weeks later, throwing five interceptions in a road loss to LSU, underscoring the volatility that could define his career.
Baylor’s offensive environment offers a higher ceiling than the one Robertson enjoyed, potentially allowing Lagway to unleash a more explosive attack. Head coach Dave Aranda, who has posted only two winning seasons in his seven years at the program, will need early capitalization to navigate a challenging schedule that includes matchups against Texas Tech, Kansas State, Houston, Utah and other powerhouses.
Challenges and Expectations
The margin for error is slim for Lagway. Baylor’s expectations are lower than those Florida faced, but the team’s recent history suggests that a strong start could catapult the offense into the conversation for the best unit in the Big 12. The schedule’s difficulty, combined with the need to adapt to a new system, places added pressure on the quarterback to deliver consistent results from the outset.
Meanwhile, the conference retains a deep pool of experienced signal‑callers, including Avery Johnson, Conner Weigman and a returning roster of veterans at Texas Tech, Kansas State, Houston, Utah, BYU, Arizona, Oklahoma State and Arizona State. Their presence ensures that any claim of superiority will be tested week after week.
As the 2026 season approaches, the narrative surrounding DJ Lagway will hinge on his ability to translate early promise into sustained performance, while navigating the volatility that has characterized his college career thus far.