Transfer Quarterback DJ Uiagalelei Wanted To Be With FSU Football

The Florida State Seminole quarterback room has undergone a significant overhaul from a season ago. With Heisman Finalist Jordan Travis leaving for the NFL and players like AJ Duffy and Tate Rodemaker transferring to other schools, there was a major void to be filled on who would be calling plays under center come the 2024 season.

FSU looked to the NCAA Transfer Portal to help bridge the gap between Travis and former four-stars Brock Glenn, Luke Kromenhoek, and Trever Jackson, signing Oregon State transfer DJ Uiagalelei, who they expect to be a veteran presence in the locker room. 

Uiagalelei, a former five-star recruit who spent three seasons at Clemson before transferring to Oregon State, said that FSU was his main target when choosing a new destination after entering the portal at the end of the 2023 season. 

"Going through the process again and being in the transfer portal, my eyes were set on one school. I wanted to be here at Florida State," Uiagalelei said to the media on Wednesday during his introductory interview. "I'm just blessed and happy that coach Norvell, Coach Tony (Tokarz), everyone here on staff was excited to have me here and was able to choose to let me be here and let me be able to be a Seminole. So yeah, this is where I want to be, and I'm happy to be here."

The 6'4'' 245-pound senior is no stranger to FSU and has twice been on the other side of the field as a Clemon Tiger. Since a 5-7 record in 2021, FSU has gone 10-3 and 13-1, which stood out to Uiagalelei, who said he's been watching their progress, especially last season.

"It looked like the old Florida State, with all the legends that have played here like Jameis Winston and the big dynasty runs that they've had," Uiagalelei continued. "For me, that was one thing I saw, and I was like, 'Wow, they're going to get it together because they've got the players, they've got the staff, and they're going to be a force to be reckoned with.'"

Another position group that will have a mixture of new and familiar faces is the wide receiver room. Multiple players must step up after losing Johnny Wilson and Keon Coleman to the NFL Draft to have another top-tier offense. Uiagalelei said he's excited to have a new batch of targets heading into the 2024 season.

"I think it's super exciting. I mean, seeing the targets last year and then the guys coming back this year, and the new additions we've added, I think they're great from top to bottom. I think the receiver list speaks for itself, and I'm excited to get out there throwing with a lot of the guys in this offseason."

"It's a very good group of guys, and I think the biggest thing is they're hungry, they're eager, have a chip on their shoulder, and they're ready to play. And that's one thing I look forward to."

The last time Uiagalelei was inside Doak Campbell Stadium for a game was during the 34-28 loss to Clemson in 2022 when he was the quarterback for the Tigers. Still, Uiagalelei said that it was his favorite away game and that he's excited to play in Tallahassee.

"I've always grown up a Jameis Winston fan, seeing Florida State and knowing the tradition they have with winning, the tradition of great players. I know Derwin James real well, and just to be able to see the whole Tomahawk Chop with all the fans was always one thing I've seen growing up watching Florida State that I was excited to see going into the game and seeing that thing live, seeing all the fans. It was amazing, and seeing the Seminole ride in on the horse was crazy. So for me, I'm excited, man."

Watch for Uiagalelei when the 'Noles kick off against Georgia Tech in Dublin, Ireland on Saturday, August 24. 

Uiagalelei's full interview can be seen below.