3 reasons it’s time to move on from DJ Uiagalelei

FSU football head coach Mike Norvell knew he needed a transfer quarterback going into the 2024 season with two scholarship quarterbacks on the roster, with two career starts among them. The coaches pursued two targets, DJ Uiagalelei and Cam Ward. Both quarterbacks have had varying degrees of success and came with their positives and weaknesses. Uiagalelei seemed like the better fit because he had played in big games, and his personality would fit well with the two young quarterbacks continuing to learn. I don’t think anyone expected Uiagalelei to compete for a Heisman Trophy in 2024 at FSU. The goal was to manage the offense, not make mistakes, and work in concert with an elite FSU defense to go 9-3 at worst and likely 11-1 at best.

Let me be clear. There is way more wrong with this FSU team than DJ Uiagalelei. The defense has been atrocious, but college football is an offensive game and teams have to score more than three touchdowns in two games. He’s missed some wide-open throws, but receivers have dropped or missed several passes he’s put on the money too. However, teams don’t respect FSU’s passing game with him at quarterback and he hasn’t been much of a threat in the running game with his legs. If the latter isn’t possible, and he can’t make teams pay with his arm, what’s the point in playing him after losing the first two games? The season is over, barring some miracle, so here are three reasons it’s time to move on from DJ Uiagalelei.