Today: Elite QB target portals, top coaches staying put, Diego Pavia apologizes, and Michigan coaching search intel.

~8 minute read (1,660 words)

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TRANSFER PORTAL

Florida QB DJ Lagway plans to enter NCAA Transfer Portal

Florida sophomore quarterback DJ Lagway plans to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal after two seasons with the Gators, according to On3's Pete Nakos.

He signed with the Gators in 2024 as the crown jewel of Billy Napier's recruiting class. Over the next two years, he appeared in 21 games and was the team's full-time starter in 2025. After ending his first campaign by leading the Gators to five wins in their final six games, he came into this year with Heisman buzz and high expectations.

But the 6-foot-3, 247-pounder struggled mightily with turnovers and inconsistency. Across the team's 12 games, he completed under 60% of his passes while throwing 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

He'll enter the portal in January as a highly coveted prospect, with two years of eligibility and a world of potential that another program will attempt to unlock.

Lagway issued a lengthy statement after the news broke. His full message can be viewed here.

In part, Lagway said, "To my friends and teammates – thank you for the brotherhood, the memories, and the bonds we've built over these past two years. I will carry those moments with me for a lifetime. To my coaches, the athletic training staff and every member of the University of Florida community – thank you for pouring into me, believing in me and showing me nothing but love and support throughout my time in Gainesville. After much prayer, reflection and thoughtful consideration, I have decided to enter the transfer portal."

As a high school prospect, Lagway was a Five-Star Plus+ recruit in the 2024 class. According to the Rivals Industry Ranking, an equally weighted average that utilizes all three major recruiting services, he was the nation's No. 3 overall prospect and No. 1 quarterback.

It remains to be seen where Lagway will land. Napier is now the head coach at James Madison, as soon as JMU finishes their College Football Playoff run this year. Dots can be connected, but based on Lagway's pedigree, he could command major interest from the best programs around.

Read the full story here.

NCAA FOOTBALL

Kalen DeBoer, Kenny Dillingham both staying put amid Michigan coaching search

Michigan's sudden head coaching vacancy quickly triggered familiar speculation across the sport, with prominent sitting head coaches forced to publicly address their futures. Two of the most discussed names, Alabama's Kalen DeBoer and Arizona State's Kenny Dillingham, followed similar paths in recent days. Both coaches issued clear denials about discussing the Michigan job and are simultaneously engaged in extension talks with their current schools.

Kalen DeBoer nearing contract extension

DeBoer addressed the Michigan rumors directly on Sunday, releasing a statement through Yea Alabama that left little ambiguity. He said he has not spoken with anyone about another job and has no interest in doing so, emphasizing that he remains fully committed to Alabama and intends to continue as the Crimson Tide's head coach.

Sources told On3 that Alabama and DeBoer are in ongoing extension talks, though no agreement has been finalized or signed. DeBoer's name quickly surfaced as a leading candidate after Michigan fired Sherrone Moore for cause, and several national analysts pointed to his past ties to the program and recent success as reasons for the connection.

This was not the first time DeBoer has pushed back on outside interest this month. He similarly dismissed speculation linking him to Penn State before that opening was filled. The public statement, paired with active extension talks, signals his commitment to the Crimson Tide while speculation continues during the postseason window.

Kenny Dillingham says he hasn't spoken with Michigan

Dillingham also denied having discussions with Michigan as his name circulated in connection with the Wolverines' opening. Speaking over the weekend, the Arizona State head coach said he had not spoken with Michigan and stressed that his focus remains on his current team.

According to Chris Karpman of Sun Devil Source, Arizona State and Dillingham are close to reaching an agreement on contract amendments that would increase his annual base compensation. Dillingham acknowledged that his agent received an offer but said he has largely stayed out of the negotiations, focusing instead on coaching.

While he declined to confirm details of a potential deal, Dillingham became emotional when discussing Arizona State, calling the program and its people special. A finalized extension would likely remove his name from Michigan's search and reinforce Arizona State's commitment to retaining him amid outside interest that has also included SEC programs.

Together, DeBoer and Dillingham illustrate a common coaching cycle outcome: public denials, quiet negotiations, and schools moving quickly to lock in their head coaches before speculation escalates further.

NCAA FOOTBALL

Diego Pavia apologizes for post-Heisman Trophy ceremony behavior

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza won the 2025 Heisman Trophy on Saturday night, but the weekend quickly became dominated by the runner-up. Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia's reaction to finishing second sparked a whirlwind of attention that stretched from social media to viral video clips before ultimately ending with a public apology on Sunday.

Pavia was one of four finalists invited to New York and finished second in the voting, earning 189 first-place votes behind Mendoza's commanding total. Shortly after the announcement, Pavia posted a blunt message on Instagram saying "F-All the voters" while posing in a photo with his offensive linemen. The post was later deleted, but it can be viewed here. The reaction immediately shifted the national conversation away from Mendoza's win and toward Pavia's response.

That attention only grew as the night went on. Later Saturday, Pavia appeared in a video at a club giving the middle finger to a sign that took a shot at Indiana. The clip spread quickly across social media and added fuel to an already chaotic Heisman aftermath. The full video can be seen here.

Lost in the noise was the season that made Pavia a finalist in the first place. He threw for 3,192 yards and 27 touchdowns, added 826 rushing yards and nine more scores, and led the SEC with 4,018 yards of total offense. His performance helped Vanderbilt reach ten wins and remain in the playoff conversation deep into the season.

By Sunday night, the tone changed. Pavia issued a lengthy public apology, acknowledging that he mishandled his emotions and apologizing to the Heisman voters. He praised Mendoza as a deserving winner and expressed respect for fellow finalists Jeremiyah Love and Julian Sayin. Pavia explained that his reaction stemmed from a lifelong underdog mentality, but said he regretted allowing his emotions to overshadow the honor of being a finalist.

Mendoza leaves New York with the Heisman Trophy. Pavia leaves as the prevailing storyline of the weekend, a reminder that in college football, the loudest moments are not always tied to the final vote.

🚨Headlines

COACHING CAROUSEL

Michigan coaching search: Names to know, timelines to watch

Michigan fired head coach Sherrone Moore on Wednesday for cause following an internal investigation into an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. Hours after his dismissal, Moore was arrested and now faces three criminal charges, accelerating an already volatile situation for the Wolverines.

With just 20 days until the transfer portal opens, Michigan now finds itself searching for a new head coach at an awkward point in the calendar. Most major coaching hires are already complete, but Michigan's recent national title and long-term resources still make the job one of the most attractive in the sport.

"It's a top-five job in the sport," an industry source told On3.

After speaking with sources over the last several days, here is what you need to know.

Hiring timeline

Michigan has hired search firm TurnkeyZRG to assist with the process. The firm is founded and chaired by Michigan graduate Len Perna. Athletic director Warde Manuel's job status has not changed, and barring any developments, he is expected to play a central role in the search. TurnkeyZRG will help assemble and vet a list of candidates as Michigan formally ramps up the process.

Sources told On3 that the ideal goal is to have a new head coach in place by Jan. 2, when the transfer portal opens. That timeline would allow players to meet the next head coach before making decisions about their futures, a critical factor given the timing of Moore's dismissal.

Money matters

Michigan has already shown it is willing to spend at the highest level of the sport. The clearest example came with Bryce Underwood, who signed a record-setting NIL deal when he flipped his commitment from LSU to Michigan. On3 reported at the time that Underwood's four-year agreement was believed to be worth between $10 million and $12 million.

That level of financial commitment extends beyond recruiting and only strengthens Michigan's position when evaluating coaching candidates. The Wolverines have the resources to support a roster and staff capable of competing for national championships, which remains a major selling point despite the current turmoil.

Realistic Michigan candidates

Because the job opened in mid-December, Michigan's candidate pool is naturally impacted by recent hires and extensions around the country. With Kalen DeBoer, Kenny Dillingham, and Lincoln Riley seemingly out of the running, sources believe Michigan will now focus on other realistic options.

Washington's Jedd Fisch is certainly a name to watch. He has won at Arizona and Washington as a head coach, and was previously on Jim Harbaugh's staff at Michigan as a quarterbacks coach.

At least five other sitting head coaches have come up in conversations, too. Each presents different levels of fit and availability depending on timing and interest.

One coach who would not need to be pried from a current job is Brian Kelly, who was fired at LSU in October. Kelly owns a 297-109-2 career record and previously rebuilt Notre Dame into a national contender.

From the NFL ranks, former Michigan defensive coordinator Jesse Minter remains a name to watch. He followed Jim Harbaugh to the NFL after Michigan's 2023 national title and led the top-ranked defense in the country that season. Other NFL names mentioned include Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees and former Giants head coach Brian Daboll.

See all of the names Michigan could be considering here.

TRIVIA

Now here's a guy...

Below, you'll find 3 facts about a random college football player. You'll try to guess who the player is based on the facts. Let's go.

Out of high school in Miami, I was a three-star QB recruit with limited offers, originally committing to Yale before flipping to California.
I later transferred into the Big Ten to team up with my younger brother.
I became the first Heisman Trophy winner in my school's history after leading an undefeated season and a Big Ten Championship.

Answer at the bottom.

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