ESPN Identifies FSU Football's Most Important Newcomer For 2024

Florida State's roster is going to have a ton of new faces in 2024. The Seminoles are bringing in a combined 38 newcomers (23 high school signees, 15 transfer portal acquisitions). That means 44.7% of the players on the team didn't wear garnet and gold last year.

There are going to be a lot of changes on both sides of the ball that Florida State will begin exploring this spring. The outcome could very well decide if this program is in a position to compete for the ACC Championship and a berth in the first 12-team playoff when August rolls around.

ESPN's Blake Baumgartner and Tom VanHaaren recently took a stab at identifying the most important newcomer for every top-25 team. VanHaaren didn't look past the obvious as he believes graduate transfer quarterback DJ Uiagalelei has a chance to be a key piece in Florida State's argument to win it all.

"Top newcomer: QB DJ Uiagalelei (transferred from Oregon State)

Uiagalelei isn't the highest-rated transfer the Seminoles are bringing in, but he fills the biggest need. FSU added Alabama corner Earl Little Jr., linebacker Shawn Murphy, receiver Malik Benson, and running back Roydell Williams, as well as Georgia linebacker Marvin Jones Jr. among a handful of other impact transfers. But the staff saw just how important the quarterback position is this past season. Jordan Travis is out of eligibility and Tate Rodemaker, transferred which left the Seminoles without much QB experience. If Uiagalelei can take over for Travis and continue his consistent play, he can help keep Florida State in the College Football Playoff conversation."

Uiagalelei has seen it all at the college level after spending three years at Clemson before a trek out west to play for Oregon State last season. He's a quarterback with a ton of potential and the right situation could help him blossom into a star. Florida State is hoping that success will come in Tallahassee.

The optimism isn't something that has been made up out of thin air. Uiagalelei is coming off a season where he averaged a career-high 8.4 yards per attempt and totaled 2,638 passing yards with 21 touchdowns to seven interceptions. He's completed 695/1176 (59.1%) of his passes for 8,319 yards with 57 touchdowns to 24 interceptions while adding 1,132 rushing yards and 21 more scores during his career.

There are plenty of transfers that will make an impact for the Seminoles in 2024 but the quarterback position is the most important in the sport. If Uiagalelei can step into head coach Mike Norvell's offense and provide consistent performances each Saturday, Florida State is going to have a chance to be special once again.