Pete Thamel: Florida State, Louisville 'top suitors' for transfer QB DJ Uiagalelei, Mississippi State shows interest

After entering the transfer portal, the top suitors are emerging for now-former Oregon State quarterback DJ Uiagalelei.

According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, a return to the ACC could be in order, as Florida State and Louisville are looking like they might battle it out for the quarterback’s services, while Mississippi State has also shown interest.

“As for DJ Uiagalelei, we could see a return to the ACC. The two schools that have emerged as his top suitors are Florida State and Louisville,” Thamel revealed, via ESPN’s College Football Live. “He has no visits set. Mississippi State has also shown some interest. But DJU could be making a cross-country trip back to the Atlantic.

“He obviously started at Clemson. Thrived last year at Oregon State. Has one more year of eligibility left. He’s one of the top quarterback available in this portal.”

Moreover, On3’s Pete Nakos confirmed Florida State and Louisville have shown interest in Uiagalelei. Evidently, the two schools that battled it out for the ACC title over the weekend could be going to war in the transfer portal now.

With 40 career stars, DJ Uiagalelei will bring experience to wherever he lands. He also touts a 30-10 overall record. The 6-foot-4, 252-pound quarterback meshed with head coach Jonathan Smith’s offensive scheme in his lone season at Oregon State, throwing for over 2,638 yards, 21 touchdowns and just 7 interceptions.

A former five-star recruit and Clemson starter who transferred to the West Coast last winter, Uiagalelei is now entering college football’s free agency, taking advantage of his COVID-19 exemption. His stardom started in high school, but he became a name to watch as a freshman backup for Trevor Lawrence in 2020. Staying on the West Coast will not be a driving factor in his portal recruitment, per a source.

With Lawrence out with COVID in 2020, Uiagalelei threw for 439 yards and two passing touchdowns in his second career start under the lights in South Bend against Notre Dame. The Tigers lost 47-40 in double overtime but Uiagalelei’s performance was regarded as one of the best of the season.

He struggled as a two-year starter for Clemson after Lawrence left, never looking comfortable in the offense. That changed this year at Oregon State.

He played high school football at Bellflower (Calif.) St. John Bosco, where he was a five-star prospect. He was the No. 12 overall recruit and No. 2 in the 2020 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking.

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire. 

On3’s Pete Nakos contributed to this article.