Breaking down how DJ Uiagalelei fits in at Florida State

Florida State quarterback DJ Uiagalelei has experienced mixed results during his college career thus far. Uiagalelei spent three seasons at Clemson, before transferring to Oregon State ahead of the 2023 season.

He then transferred to Florida State this offseason where he is slated to be the starting quarterback for Mike Norvell and the Seminoles in 2024. On3’s Andy Staples recently joined Kelly Gramlich and Eric Mac Lain to discuss how Uiagalelei fits in at Florida State and what to expect from him with the Seminoles.

“I like it,” Staples said. “Remember, they were going to have Cam Ward and DJ come on the same weekend. And DJ went there without an offer, which in this era of the transfer portal is virtually unheard of. But I think they were kind of testing one another. DJ was testing them and they were testing DJ. And I’ve got to say, I went up to Tallahassee a couple of months ago and talked to DJ and talked to some of the other players. He seems to fit so well there.”

DJ Uiagalelei threw for a career-high 2,638 yards last season, with 21 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also rushed for 219 yards and six scores. Staples expects Norvell to call plays to Uiagalelei’s strengths and added that his teammates seem to really like being around him.

“I know he’s a guy that people like, and I knew that from Clemson and from Oregon State. But he really seems to click very well with this particular group,” Staples said. “Norvell seems to click well with him. And here’s the thing I’ll say about Norvell, and there’s a few coaches who I think this particular year it’s going to be a little bit different with them, because of one rule change. The rule change that allows the coach to talk to the quarterback in the helmet.

“If you are Mike Norvell, if you are Lane Kiffin, if you are Hugh Freeze, that makes your offense better instantly. … If you are a play caller who can see the matrix from the sideline, which these guys are, it will change everything for your offense.”

Florida State is coming off a 13-1 season but must replace several talented players, including star quarterback Jordan Travis. Uiagalelei led Oregon State to an 8-5 season in 2023. The Beavers were off to an 8-2 start, before faltering down the stretch. Oregon State head coach Jonathan Smith left for the Michigan State job this offseason, and when he did, Uiagalelei entered the transfer portal. He ultimately ended up at Florida State.

The hope in Tallahassee is that Uiagalelei will lead FSU to the College Football Playoff this fall. Staples believes that’s a possibility.