USC has emerged as 'next team to watch' with elite 2024 QB DJ Lagway

With the 2023 quarterback dominoes nearly all toppled, much of the focus how turned to 2024, where top passers are beginning to make decisions and cut down their lists. On Wednesday, On3 Consensus No. 2 quarterback Julian Sayin committed to Alabama, choosing the Tide over LSU. With the No. 1, 2 and 5 QBs already off the board, the attention now turns to both DJ Lagway and Jadyn Davis.

Michigan and Clemson are considered to be the co-leaders for the latter, while Lagway’s recruitment is a little more open, despite him planning to commit early in 2023. Clemson and Florida have made a major impression on the nation’s No. 4 passer, but a third contender has emerged, according to On3 national recruiting analyst Sam Spiegelman.

“With Alabama and LSU sort of going in different directions, USC has really emerged as the next team to watch,” Spiegelman said Thursday during On3’s Inside Scoop recruiting show. “He’s going to visit later this month when Notre Dame heads to the Coliseum. Lincoln Riley, he’s been very open that it’s one of the best relationships he’s had since even before September 1st.

…Jalen Hurts is one of Lincoln Riley’s products, and he’s having an MVP-type season in the NFL. And Lagway talks about that being kind of a blueprint when he goes to the next level. I think it’s fair to say Clemson and Florida have separated themselves, but it’s fair to say this USC visit at the end of November still looms very big.”

Lagway is the No. 7 overall prospect in the 2024 On300 rankings, where On3 rates him higher than the rest of the recruiting industry.

DJ Lagway Scouting Summary

“Strong-armed quarterback prospect who possesses a thicker build with solid measurables for the position. Checked in at 6-f00t-2.3 and 225 pounds during the camp circuit prior to his junior season. Has the arm strength to make throws at every level of the field, including ones from the far hash. Efficient with his movements in the pocket and comfortable working outside the pocket. Arm talent shines when forced to throw from multiple arm slots or off-platform. Will need to continue progressing with his accuracy as a passer – completed 55 percent of his passes as a sophomore at under 7 yards per attempt. A touted two-sport athlete who has also received multiple Power Five offers as a baseball player.” — Charles Power, On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings