In 2024, Florida State’s roster will be significantly expanded with new players. A total of 38 new players will be joining the Seminoles (23 high school signees and 15 transfer portal acquisitions). This indicates that 44.7% of the team’s players did not don garnet and gold in the previous season.
This spring, Florida State will start experimenting with a lot of changes on both sides of the ball. When August arrives, the result may determine whether this program is eligible to contend for the ACC Championship and a spot in the first 12-team postseason.
Recently, ESPN’s Blake Baumgartner and Tom VanHaaren attempted to determine which newcomer is the most significant for each of the top 25 teams. Though he thinks graduate transfer quarterback DJ Uiagalelei has a chance to be a crucial component of Florida State’s case to win it all, VanHaaren didn’t go past the obvious.
QB DJ Uiagalelei, who transferred from Oregon State, is the top newcomer.
Although he meets the biggest need, Uiagalelei isn’t the Seminoles’ most well regarded addition. Along with a few other high-profile additions, FSU added Georgia linebacker Marvin Jones Jr., receiver Malik Benson, running back Roydell Williams, cornerback Earl Little Jr. of Alabama, and linebacker Shawn Murphy. However, throughout the previous season, the coaches saw how crucial the quarterback position is. Tate Rodemaker transferred, and Jordan Travis is no longer eligible, therefore the Seminoles are shorthanded at quarterback. Uiagalelei can help Florida State stay in the College Football Playoff conversation if he can replace Travis and carry on with his reliable performance.”
Before traveling out west to play for Oregon State last season, Uiagalelei spent three years at Clemson, so he’s seen it all at the collegiate level. He’s a quarterback full of potential who may become a superstar in the right environment. Florida State is optimistic about its chances of success in Tallahassee.
The optimism isn’t something that just appeared overnight. Uiagalelei just finished a season in which he completed 2,638 passing yards with 21 touchdowns to seven interceptions, averaging a career-high 8.4 yards per attempt. Throughout his career, he has completed 695/1176 (59.1%) of his throws for 8,319 yards, 57 touchdowns to 24 interceptions, 1,132 rushing yards, and 21 additional scores.
The quarterback position is the most crucial in the sport, but there are many moves that could have an impact on the Seminoles in 2024. Uiagalelei has the potential to become exceptional once more if he can take over head coach Mike Norvell’s offense and deliver reliable performances every Saturday.
