The Pac-12 conference, including Oregon State football, had a fantastic 2023 campaign, placing four teams in the latest College Football Playoff standings. However, the rapid success has potentially negatively affected teams’ future outlook, like the Beavers. Per On3 Sports, Oregon State Beavers star quarterback DJ Uiagalelei will enter the transfer portal with the option of turning pro.
Oregon State quarterback DJ Uiagalelei is set to enter the transfer portal, a source tells @On3sports.
The former five-star recruit and Clemson starter thrived on the West Coast this season. Entering the NFL draft is in consideration.https://t.co/l3V2OyDKvt pic.twitter.com/yCGQWrZijs
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) November 30, 2023
Uiagalelei will join a stacked group of signal-callers in the transfer portal. Mississippi State record holder Will Rogers, Kansas State star Will Howard, and Arkansas dual-threat quarterback KJ Jefferson, among others, headline the group intending to transfer schools.
DJ Uiagalelei: Resurrects Career with Oregon State Football
Uiagalelei, a former five-star prospect from Riverside, California, started his college career with the Clemson Tigers. Uiagalelei played behind former Clemson star Trevor Lawrence in 2020 but was thrust into action after the latter tested positive for COVID-19. He threw for 914 yards and five touchdowns against no picks as a freshman. With Lawrence darting for the NFL, Uiagalelei took over as the Tigers’ starting quarterback in 2021. Clemson failed to live up to their preseason No. 3 ranking, going 10-3, with Uiagalelei throwing just nine touchdowns to ten picks.
The former top prospect again started in 2022, and despite tossing a career-best 22 touchdowns, the Tigers and head coach Dabo Sweeney benched Uiagalelei in favor of Cade Klubnik in the ACC Championship. Uiagalelei announced his intent to transfer shortly after, eventually landing with the Oregon State Beavers of the Pac-12.
Uiagalelei played well this season, throwing 2,638 yards and 21 touchdowns against seven picks. He also added 219 rushing yards and six scores. His best game came against Cal in early October, going 19 of 25 for 275 yards and five scores. However, despite leading Oregon State to a respectful 8-4 record in the hyper-competitive Pac-12, Uiagalelei will again transfer after head coach Jonathon Smith left for Michigan State.
Oregon State Football: Quarterback Options for 2023
The Oregon State Beavers quickly replaced the departing Jonathon Smith, announcing defensive coordinator Trent Bray as their next head coach. However, Bray will need to find his quarterback with Uiagalelei leaving. Backup quarterback and former four-star prospect Aidan Chiles also entered the transfer portal alongside Uiagalelei. Ben Gulbranson and Travis Throckmorton are the best in-house options for Bray and the Beavers. Gulbranson started for the Beavers before the arrival of Uiagalelei, tossing nine touchdowns with five picks in 2022. Meanwhile, Throckmorton signed with Oregon State two years ago as a three-star recruit.
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