Former Clemson Tigers quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei made headlines on Sunday afternoon. Uiagalelei donned the Oregon State uniform for the first time after he transferred to Corvallis this offseason.
Uiagalelei followed outstanding quarterback play at Clemson but, unfortunately, never really found his way. He struggled on offense, and eventually, Cade Klubnik would step in and take the starting role, a job Klubnik currently holds this year. But D.J., still a talented quarterback, had a lot left to prove. So he came in with a chip on his shoulder in the Beavers’ Week 1 opener against San Jose State.
Uiaglalei performed well in his first start of the season. He completed 20 of 25 passes, threw for 239 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions. He also rumbled into the end zone twice on rushing scores, giving him five total TDs on the day.
Former Clemson QB DJ Uiagalelei with his first TD for Oregon State! 🏈🦫 pic.twitter.com/Bzz2bRqj9j
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) September 3, 2023
DJ Uiagalelei with his second rushing TD of the day. He's also thrown for a TD. 💪
No. 18 Oregon State has a 21-3 halftime lead at San Jose State.🏈🦫 pic.twitter.com/lqQaROo4br
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) September 3, 2023
Uiagalelei’s performance turned heads and got attention from all over.
DJ Uiagalelei in his Oregon State debut:
-20/25
-239 passing yards
-5 total touchdowns (3 passing, 2 rushing)Oregon State beats San Jose State 42-17 🏈pic.twitter.com/gZLsp87vM0
— 247Sports (@247Sports) September 3, 2023
DJ Uiagalelei was NEVER the problem at Clemson. He’s going to be a Top 10 QB at Oregon State this season
— College Football Blue Bloods (@bluebloodsbias) September 3, 2023
Kirk Herbstreit was extremely complimentary after the Beavers’ 42-17 victory over the San Jose State Spartans.
Love this @BeaverFootball team.
Veteran group coming off 10 a win season-play a very physical brand of football-a great coach in Jonathan Smith-and now QB DJ Uiagalelei.
These boys are gonna make some noise again this year.— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) September 3, 2023
D.J. was very complimentary himself, but of his offensive line. At one point, he stood back and could bake a cake back there before he threw a beautiful touchdown pass. On that play, Uiagalelei said, according to John Canzano, “I could have made a sandwich there.”
Oregon State QB DJ Uiagalelei on the TD throw where he sat … and sat… and sat… before completing the pass.
“I could have made a sandwich back there.”
— John Canzano (@johncanzanobft) September 3, 2023
It was a strong start for the 18th-ranked Oregon State Beavers and their new quarterback.
