What we know following Florida State hosting transfer quarterbacks Cam Ward, DJ Uiagalelei

Florida State was on the cusp of making the College Football Playoff.

That story has been reported extensively, with the committee picking Texas and Alabama over the undefeated ACC champions. But the Seminoles are now left to pick up the pieces, prepare for the Orange Bowl and rebuild their roster.

That began Friday morning with Washington State transfer quarterback Cam Ward arrived in Tallahassee fresh off an official visit to Miami. The former no-star recruit spent Tuesday night with Mario Cristobal and Rick Ross at Prime 112.

Speaking to a source close to the situation, the visit to Coral Gables was “awesome.” The Seminoles got their shot, too, with the brunt of the visit on Friday. Tallahassee was “very nice,” a source said.

But Ward wasn’t the only quarterback visiting Florida State this weekend. Former Clemson and Oregon State quarterback DJ Uiagalelei arrived Saturday and left Sunday afternoon.

FSU finds itself in an intricate position. The quarterback market has been the headline of the transfer portal window. On top of the Seminoles and Canes, LSU, Louisville, Kentucky, Maryland, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ohio State and USC have all gone shopping. More than 110 FBS quarterbacks entered the portal, too.

Yet, Florida State is the one who hosted two of the top 10 quarterbacks in the portal over a 96-hour window. Bringing the duo on campus was a clear sign there’s significant interest from each camp. For Uiagalelei, the Seminoles have been the school to watch ever since he decided to enter free agency as a grad transfer. Louisville and Oregon were possible options, but in the last week sources had indicated FSU is the frontrunner.

Entering this week it was unclear if Ward would ever make it to Tallahassee. Even when the former Jerry Rice Award winner, given to the nation’s top freshman in FCS, arrived at Miami on Tuesday the Ward family had yet to decide if they would be visiting the Seminoles.

Speaking to ESPN on Thursday, the former Washington State star said he had yet to decide if he will take a third visit. On3 confirmed Saturday night that Ward has shut down his visits but he could potentially take Zoom calls.

There’s little doubt Ward or Uiagalelei would be successful with Florida State. Mike Norvell has proven before with Jordan Travis that a transfer quarterback can be successful in his system. Previously at Louisville, Travis threw for 2,756 yards with 20 touchdowns and two interceptions this season. His year was cut short due to a season-ending leg injury against North Alabama.

The question Norvell and his staff now face is who do they want more. Coming off the visits, sources have said its clear the Seminoles are waiting for a decision from Ward, who has yet to release an exact timetable. Meanwhile, with the dead period nearly here, Uiagalelei will have to wait to take any visits until the quiet period reopens on Jan. 3 if he chooses to.

Cam Ward or DJ Uiagalelei?

Speaking to a range of sources, there was a clear consensus on who Florida State should take: Cam Ward. One personnel director didn’t even need to think about it, quickly replying “Ward.” Another who played against the quarterback this season called him a “baller.” The Incarnate Word star turned Washington State starter is 24−18 in 42 career starts.

For some of the programs still in the race, however, there’s more to it than just winning over the quarterback. Financial packages can be crucial in being a deciding factor. The NFL is still not off the table either. As Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule sketched out at the end of November, “a good quarterback in the portal costs $1 million to $1.5 million to $2 million right now.”

“I think Cam is the better player,” a source said. “Comes down to how much more expensive he is. DJU not a bad option if you get a bargain.”

After struggling for two years as the starter at Clemson, Uiagalelei was consistent this year on the West Coast with Oregon State. He finished the year with 2,638 passing yards, 21 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

One source was critical of his performances against Oregon and Washington, juxtaposing that with Ward’s mobility and ability to get out of the pocket. Not everyone chose the Washington State transfer, as another source gave Uiagalelei credit for his experience against top-level competition.

“DJ because he’s had a year in a pro-style offense,” they said. “Cam is talented but no one knows if he can process. No one.”