DJ Uiagalelei on goals at Florida State: 'National championship or bust'

DJ Uiagalelei transferred to Florida State and embraced the large expectations right away: championship or bust.

Coming from Clemson where there was a national championship culture and Oregon State where he had the Beavers in position to win the Pac-12, Uiagalelei wants it all. But this is his last chance in college.

But that’s why he chose Florida State and head coach Mike Norvell. FSU was 13-0 last season prior to the postseason but just missed out on the College Football Playoff.

“I understand the expectation when you’re a quarterback here at Florida State and as a player,” Uiagalelei said on College Sports Radio on Sirius XM. “But of course like you said, the expectation is high. That’s what you want. You want to be able to be able to be able to play at a place where the expectations are high and it’s ACC championship, national championship or bust. That’s the expectation Coach Norvell has and that’s the expectation that the team has and including a fan base. 

“So for me, man, it’s an opportunity. It’s a blessing to be able to go out there and it’s a challenge you know, each and every day. You got to put your best foot forward so at the end of the season you can be smiling.”

Despite having pressure and expectations, Uiagalelei felt Florida State was always the right place for him after leaving Oregon State.

“I was excited for me and when I put my name in the portal, all my eggs in one basket, I wanted to be at Florida State,” Uiagalelei said. “And that’s where my heart, my mind was set on. So for me, man, that was where I wanted to be. I just put my faith in God. Just let him open the doors, that he was gonna open up and I’m just blessed and thankful that he opened up the door for me to be able to get an opportunity to be able to come to Florida State, compete and play coach for coach Norvell. 

“So I’m just blessed man, you know, it’s been an honor. It’s been a true blessing to be here for Florida State. I’m excited.”

Last season, Uiagalelei put up 2,638 yards, 21 touchdowns, seven interceptions, a 57.1% completion percentage, 219 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns. Over the course of his career, he has 8,319 yards, 57 touchdowns, 24 interceptions, a 59.1% completion percentage, 1,132 rushing yards and 21 rushing touchdowns.

As a member of the Class of 2020, Uiagalelei was a five-star recruit out of Bellflower (Calif.) St. John Bosco, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 3 overall prospect in the state, the No. 2 quarterback in the class and the No. 12 overall prospect in the class.