COLUMBIA, S.C. — While he was at Clemson, one of the biggest games of the year for DJ Uiagalelei was when he had to take on Florida State. Now, he’ll be playing for the Seminoles as he tries to finish out his college career on a winning note.
Uiagalelei announced on New Year’s Day that he would transfer to Florida State to try and close out his long–and somewhat convoluted–time as a college quarterback.
Uiagalelei visited Florida State in December.
The former five-star recruit was heavily hyped coming out of college. After backing up former Tigers quarterback Trevor Lawrence his freshman year, he took over as the leader of the team. Uiagalelei passed for 5,681 yards while playing for Clemson from 2020-22. He won a pair of games over Florida State in 2021 and ’22.
However, he struggled during his two seasons as the starter. When he was replaced as quarterback for last year’s Orange Bowl, he decided to enter the transfer portal, eventually landing at Oregon State. The 6-foot-4, 250-pound Uiagalelei threw for 2,638 yards, 21 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 2023 at Oregon State. He also ran for 219 yards.
With one year of eligibility left, Uiagalelei is viewed as a bridge quarterback while the Florida State coaches develop Brock Glenn and early enrollee Luke Kromenhoek.
Florida State had hosted Uiagalelei as well as Washington State’s Cam Ward for visits. Ward opted on Monday to enter the NFL draft.