'DJ’s Back': Dave Aranda Announces Lagway’s Return Ahead of Big 12 Opener

Head coach Dave Aranda shared the latest on junior quarterback DJ Lagway at his Monday press conference, saying, “DJ’s back. … We haven’t practiced yet; we’re going to do that later today. But all indications are yes. He was able to work out on the field prior to the game Saturday. He felt really good. He feels good walking around now. He’s excited and ready.”

Lagway suffered an ankle injury on Baylor’s opening drive in the Week 1 loss to Auburn. In his first game with the Bears, Lagway battled through injury and finished with 333 yards through the air on 27-of-54 passing, along with two touchdowns and two turnovers.

Baylor held Lagway out of the last two contests, and junior Nate Bennett made his first two career starts on consecutive Saturdays. The California native had an up-and-down debut in the 44-3 win over Prairie View A&M. He threw for 301 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions on 23-of-35 passing, while adding a 17-yard rushing touchdown on the ground.

In the 36-19 victory against Louisiana Tech, Bennett was excellent and looked much more comfortable under center, throwing for 253 yards and three touchdowns on an incredibly efficient 21-of-24 clip; he also added a 25-yard rushing touchdown.

“Our quarterback room, including DJ, we're all best friends,” Bennett said after the win over Louisiana Tech. “We are so supportive of each other. DJ is my biggest fan. Every time I've scored a touchdown, he's the first dude to come up to me and dap me up. I'll be the same way with him.”

Lagway didn’t suit up for either the Prairie View A&M or Louisiana Tech games, but he didn’t wear a protective boot on his right ankle on the sidelines in either contest.

The Bears (2-1) will open Big 12 play against Colorado (2-1) at 11 a.m. this Saturday, Sept. 26, at McLane Stadium. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN2.