Fueled by a burning determination, the Florida State football program will strive to make the expanded College Football Playoff field next season after a heart-wrenching miss from the four-team group in 2023. The Seminoles became the first Power-5 team in the CFP era to go undefeated and win their conference title without having a chance to compete for the national title.
However, the NCAA will expand the CFP from four teams to 12 starting in 2024, giving FSU more than an ample opportunity to have a chance next season. Their new quarterback, Oregon State Beavers transfer DJ Uiagalelei, is brimming with ambition and not only wants to lead Florida State back to the CFP but has boldly declared next season as’ national championship or bust.’
Florida State Seminoles QB DJ Uiagalelei: Eyeing Titie in 2024
New Florida State quarterback DJ Uiagalelei has massive expectations for the Seminoles next season. During an appearance on College Sports Radio on Sirius XM, Uiagalelei set his expectations for the team in 2024.
“The expectation is high. That’s what you want. You want to be able to play at a place where the expectations are high, and it’s ACC championship, national championship, or bust. That’s the expectation Coach Norvell has, and that’s the expectation that the team has, including a fan base.”
The Seminoles, under the leadership of Coach Norvell, have shown significant improvement in recent years. After two subpar seasons, Norvell led the team to a 10-3 record in 2022, finishing 13th in the College Football Playoff rankings. The team continued to excel in 2023, posting a sparkling 13-1 record, including a perfect 9-0 in conference games. Despite their impressive performance, the CFP committee left the Florida State football program out of the four-team playoff field. A gruesome late season-ending injury to Heisman-caliber quarterback Jordan Travis was primarily considered the reason for their absence.
Uiagalelei’s decision to transfer to Florida State, his third school in three years, was significant. “I was excited for me, and when I put my name in the portal, all my eggs in one basket, I wanted to be at Florida State,” said Uiagalelei. His commitment to the team and ambition to lead them to victory in the upcoming season are clear.
DJ Uiagalelei: Brings Experience and Pedigree to Florida State Football
Uiagalelei, a former five-star prospect, started his college career with the Clemson Tigers in 2020. After playing behind star Trevor Lawrence as a freshman, Uiagalelei became the full-time starter in 2021 but struggled, throwing nine touchdowns against ten picks. He vastly improved in 2022, throwing for 2,521 yards and 22 touchdowns. However, his seven picks and underperformance in big games led to the Tigers switching to Cade Klubnik for the team’s bowl game.
Following the conclusion of that season, Uiagalelei transferred to Oregon State. He completed 57% of his passes for 2,638 yards and 21 touchdowns against seven picks. The Beavers went 8-5, including earning an invite to the Sun Bowl, where Uiagalelei did not play.
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