Evaluating how DJ Uiagalelei's circuitous college career prepared him for FSU opportunity

The Florida State Seminoles went looking for a new quarterback in the Transfer Portal following the end of the season. In the end, head coach Mike Norvell landed on DJ Uiagalelei, who will now be on his third different college program.

It’s been an up-and-down career for Uiagalelei at the college level. However, as JD PicKell explained during an appearance on Andy Staples On3, Uiagalelei’s circuitous college career has prepared him for this FSU opportunity.

“I think even hearing him speak, the guy is so mature,” PicKell said. “And he was that way at Clemson too, when you heard him talk after got pulled for Cade Klubnik in different games. I’ve just been so impressed with the mental makeup of him.”

DJ Uiagalelei started his career as a five-star recruit in the Class of 2020. Initially, he started with the Clemson Tigers, where he spent three seasons. After that, he transferred to Oregon State for a season before hitting the portal again and landing at FSU.

“Now, that has to translate to the actual playing quarterback side of things, but if they can have some skill players that they took from Alabama via the portal, kind of level up and show themselves as guys they can go to, like a Malik Benson, like a Roydell Williams and kind of replace that production, I’m excited to see what DJU does coming back to the ACC because I think the tough experiences he’s had to undergo and going to Oregon State, now going to his third school, I think that’s going to harden him. I think it’s going to, ultimately, pay some dividends and allow him to kind of navigate this new destination.”

Last season with Oregon State was, arguably, Uiagalelei’s best season statistically. He threw for 2,638 yards and 21 touchdowns with only seven interceptions. He also ran for 219 yards and six touchdowns. Now, PicKell wants to see it all come together under Norvell.

“So, all that’s to say, have to see it to believe it to a degree because DJU obviously still has some things he’s working on from acclimating to a new place and playing quarterback as a whole, but I’m not so sure that the narrative around him is 110% fair just yet.”

Mike Norvell breaks down why DJ Uiagalelei was the right fit for Florida State

Recently, Mike Norvell explained what made DJ Uiagalelei the right fit for FSU and the Seminoles in 2024.

“I think you see the ability. He has got a tremendous arm. He has got great size. Truly? It comes down to who he is. It’s the person, it’s the mindset. The approach that he brings. He’s a remarkable human being. He has got great leadership qualities. He’s somebody that loves to work. To be able to come in understanding the expectation that we have within our program, not just on the field but really from an all-inclusive approach? Just the heart that he has and the passion and desire that he brings on a day-in, day-out basis to go get better. I think you’ve seen that through his experiences,” Norvell said.

“He has had some really great moments. He has had some challenges that he has had to overcome. I think those challenges have helped kind of build him to the young man that he is today. I watched a lot of him from his time at Clemson when he was in the league. Even this last year when he was at Oregon State. All that he has done? Like I said, the good and some of the challenges he has faced? It has built him to where he is now.”