The Clemson Tigers were able to get win the ACC Championship game on Sunday thanks to a big performance from backup quarterback Cade Klubnik. Starting quarterback DJ Uiagalelei was benched in the first quarter of the game, and he made a huge decision on his future with the program on Sunday.
According to 247 Sports, Uiagalelei is expected to enter the transfer portal after Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney revealed after the game that Klubnik will be the team’s starting quarterback for the Orange Bowl bowl game against the Tennessee Volunteers.
It was clear that Saturday night’s game was the final straw for Uiagalelei at Clemson, being benched for the second time this season due to poor play.
DJ Uiagalelei came to Clemson with extremely high expectations and big shoes to fill, serving as the team’s starting quarterback directly after Trevor Lawrence.
While things did not work out for him he clearly has some talent. That has led to speculation about where he may take that talent to.
If Clemson QB DJ Uiagalelei does transfer and wants to come out West again, I'd have to think #Pac12FB teams like UCLA, Oregon and Washington will be in the mix. pic.twitter.com/Ls1jlZRDdg
— James H. Williams covers UCLA football (@JHWreporter) December 4, 2022
I think DJ Uiagalelei should transfer to UCLA and play under Chip Kelly. He’d light the Pac-12 on fire.
— Mike McDaniel (@MikeMcDanielSI) December 4, 2022
Add DJ Uiagalelei to the list of QBs Notre Dame would be foolish not to at least reach out to
— SlapTheSign (@SlapTheSign) December 5, 2022
I’ll always root for DJ Uiagalelei. Always. Special *kid* who handled all kinds of criticism and adversity with grace and maturity beyond his years.
Hope he finds the right fit, regains his form and reminds everyone why he was the No. 1 QB recruit in the country.
— Marc Whiteman (@MarcWYFFNews4) December 5, 2022
One factor that could certainly be interesting to monitor is the recruitment of his younger brother, Matayo Uiagalelei, who is currently ranked as the third-best defensive lineman in the class of 2023 by On3 Sports.
DJ & Matayo Uiagalelei may end up being a package deal 👀👀👀 pic.twitter.com/nkf423g7Bw
— Unnecessary Roughness (@UnnecRoughness) December 5, 2022
Could the brothers become a package deal? DJ’s decision to transfer from Clemson brings the possibility into play.
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.