Oregon State quarterback DJ Uiagalelei has reportedly landed back in the transfer portal. The former five-star recruit has already transferred once in his college career, joining the Beavers in December of 2022 after three seasons with Clemson. Per the NCAA’s rules, as a graduate transfer, Uiagalelei would be immediately eligible to play at his next school.
Uiagalelei finished his sole season at Oregon State with an 8–4 record, throwing for 2,638 passing yards with 21 touchdowns against seven interceptions.
On3.com’s Pete Nakos first reported the news.
????BREAKING: Oregon State QB DJ Uiagalelei plans to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal, @PeteNakos_ reports.https://t.co/5XDLGCb49t pic.twitter.com/mpodurOXuN
— On3 (@On3sports) November 30, 2023
Former Beavers coach Jonathan Smith accepted the Michigan State coaching position last week. Smith, who has coached Oregon State since 2018 and initially recruited Uiagalelei, made a deep impression on the young signal-caller, and it’s likely that Smith’s departure factored into Uiagalelei’s decision to enter the transfer portal. Former Oregon State offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren has since joined Smith at Michigan State as well.
Oregon State promoted defensive coordinator Trent Bray to head coach after Smith’s exit.
With Uiagalelei’s expected exit, the Beavers will now turn their attention to retaining other key roster pieces, including star running back Damien Martinez.
