DJ Uiagalelei explains what drew him to Florida State

Florida State quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei was one of the most highly coveted quarterback prospects in the transfer portal this offseason. He had a number of different options, entering the 2024 NFL Draft and there were several suitors for his services in the portal. But he instead decided to go back to the ACC and join the Florida State Seminoles. On Thursday’s version of Andy Staples On3, Uiagalelei spoke about what drew him to Tallahassee and back to the ACC.

“I think Coach Norvell. I think what he stands for as a man. What he stands for as a person. Also as a coach. I think the testimony of what he’s done. Being able to develop quarterbacks and be able the way he’s transformed Florida State back to where everyone knows what Florida State’s always been. That powerhouse program. Program with incredible athletes, incredible coaching staff. And a rich tradition of winning and a rich tradition of a great fan base. So, for me, that was the main thing,” Uiagalelei said.

There were a number of other factors in Uiagalelei’s decision

Mike Norvell has known nothing but Jordan Travis as the program’s starting quarterback. Travis stuck with Florida State through some tough times and was there until his devastating injury against North Alabama. The Seminoles have to move on though and another veteran with ACC experience has been brought in — former Clemson and Oregon State QB DJ Uiagalelei.

The transfer process took some time for Uiagalelei, with it likely being sudden once Jonathan Smith left Oregon State for Michigan State. Uiagalelei wanted to make sure Florida State checked all of his boxes before committing and no better person to ask than Travis.

After all, Travis had been the leader and heartbeat during his time in Tallahassee.

“I got to talk to him before I took my official visit,” Uiagalelei said. “I talked to him two days beforehand. I just had a couple of questions I wanted to ask him. For the most part, I knew the players that have played here… Playing against them, I had my thoughts about Florida State, about the coaching staff. I also wanted to ask Jordan because he played in this offense for some time now and he was in the thick of it with Coach Norvell and Coach (Tony) Tokarz.”

Uiagalelei faced Florida State twice while at Clemson, coming out with wins on both occasions. He threw for 392 yards, four touchdowns, and an interception. Neither game was a dominant win for the Tigers and maybe left Uiagalelei having respect for Norvell’s team.

But one conversation with Travis was good enough to get the move over the finish line. Travis spoke highly of what Norvell and Tokarz have done for him over the years, giving his stamp of approval. Uiagalelei listened and is now completely bought into Florida State.

“Wanted to ask him a couple of questions about the program — How are they as coaches off the field? How are they as men? He had nothing but great things to say. And when that comes from your starting quarterback four couple years now, that’s all you need to hear. So, when I heard that, kind of proved all my points that I had,” Uiagalelei said.

Uiagalelei will make his Florida State debut in Week 0, traveling to Dublin for a matchup against Georgia Tech. A reunion of sorts against Clemson will take place on Oct. 5, being one of the ACC’s premier games of the 2024 season.

On3’s Griffin McVeigh also contributed to this article.