Aranda Praises Lagway, Openly Criticizes Florida at Big 12 Media Day
Baylor's head coach used Big 12 media day to tout his new quarterback while taking a pointed jab at Lagway's former program.
Sports Index AI
Baylor head coach Dave Aranda used the platform of Big 12 media day to deliver some of the week's most notable remarks, simultaneously praising transfer quarterback DJ Lagway and leveling criticism at the Florida Gators program Lagway left behind. [1][2]
Lagway entered the transfer portal after his time with Florida and landed with the Bears, giving Baylor a high-profile addition at the quarterback position. Aranda made clear he is enthused by what he has seen from his new signal-caller since the move. [2]
He's smiling more.
— Baylor coach Dave Aranda on DJ Lagway, per Yahoo Sports CFB [1]
Aranda Takes Aim at Florida
Beyond praising Lagway's demeanor and potential in Waco, Aranda did not shy away from firing a direct shot at Florida during his Big 12 media day availability. The remarks drew significant attention among the multiple notable quotes to emerge from the event. [1][2]
Aranda raved about Lagway's upside as Baylor's quarterback while making his critique of the Gators an explicit part of his public comments — an uncommon move for a coach addressing another program by name at a conference media event. [2]
The episode underscores how the transfer portal era has shifted the dynamics of college football roster building, with coaches now openly commenting on the situations their new players left behind. Lagway's move from Florida to Baylor and Aranda's subsequent remarks at Big 12 media day stood out as one of the more pointed examples of that shift heading into the 2026 season. [1][2]
