On December 16, 2024, Florida State University (FSU) quarterback DJ Uiagalelei announced his decision to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft, a move that surprised many within the college football community. In his statement, Uiagalelei expressed gratitude to his faith, family, teammates, and coaches for their support throughout his collegiate career.
Uiagalelei’s tenure at FSU was marked by both promise and challenges. After transferring from Oregon State, he aimed to revitalize the Seminoles’ offense. However, the 2024 season began on a disappointing note, with FSU suffering a 24-21 loss to Georgia Tech in their opener. Analyst Paul Finebaum described the defeat as an embarrassment, especially given the team’s high expectations following an undefeated regular season in 2023.
Compounding the team’s struggles, Uiagalelei sustained a significant injury to his throwing hand during a game against SMU on September 28, 2024. The injury required surgery and sidelined him for the remainder of the season.
Despite these setbacks, Uiagalelei’s collegiate career showcased notable achievements. Over 48 games, he amassed 9,451 total yards, threw for 57 touchdowns, and added 21 rushing touchdowns. His performance earned him recognition as a semifinalist for the 2023 Davey O’Brien Award.
The decision to enter the NFL Draft leaves FSU at a crossroads. With Uiagalelei’s departure, the Seminoles must identify a new leader under center to navigate the challenges of the upcoming season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team adapts and who steps up to fill the void left by Uiagalelei’s exit.
