The former Clemson quarterback dazzled in his first game with the Beavers.
Carter Bahns
VIDEO: Highlights: No. 18 Oregon State at San Jose State
Former five-star recruit DJ Uiagalelei — one of the top quarterbacks in the 2023 transfer portal — made his Oregon State debut Sundayand flashed outstanding playmaking ability, throwing three touchdowns and rushing for two additional scores. The former Clemson Tigers starter impressed the college football media with the dominating performance, particularly for his passing accuracy, which appeared much-improved from his time at Clemson.
Uiagalelei led the Beavers to a 42-17 win over San Jose State in the season opener as he completed 20-of-25 passes for 239 yards and tacked on 10 more yards with his legs. It was a step toward a bounce-back season for the quarterback.
“It was great, man,” Uiagalelei said on the CBS Sports broadcast after the game. “My offensive line did an unbelievable job. Receivers, running backs. Coach Lindgren did a great job calling plays today. It was fun. I had a lot of fun today. It was exciting to be able to play with my brothers here. Defense did a great job. It was a great win today. Great team win.”
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Here is what the college football media had to say about Uiagalelei’s Oregon State debut:
— Dean Straka (@DWStraka49) September 3, 2023Sometimes a change of scenery does the trick.
See AlsoWorth the wait: DJ Uiagalelei’s transfer to Oregon State Beavers about football, fit and ‘a feeling’Great to see DJ Uiagalelei rocketing out of the gate for an Oregon State program that’s feeling the urgency to win this year. https://t.co/5yJ7ZQRlKT
The transfer portal gave Uiagalelei a chance to revitalize his career as he stepped away from the lofty expectations at Clemson and wiped his slate clean in Corvallis. The No. 100 player and No. 8 quarterback in the 2023 transfer cycle was a key pickup for an Oregon State team playing with a chip on its shoulder amid its exclusion from conference realignment.
Good for DJ, be fun to see a bounce back season, tools are still there https://t.co/nYyX243diN
— Greg Biggins (@GregBiggins) September 3, 2023
A former five-star recruit, Uiagalelei was the top-rated pro-style quarterback in the 2020 class and ranked behind only Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young as the nation’s No. 2 overall prospect. His arm strength was his greatest asset coming out of high school at Bellflower (Calif.) St. John Bosco, and it was on display Saturday as he fired a 31-yard touchdown and a 28-yard scoring strike.
DJ's been superb today in his debut with the Beavers. Looks in total command. Still has a powerful arm, firing lasers all over the field. Is 20 of 25 and has now accounted for as much touchdowns (5 - three passing, two rushing) as he has incompletions.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) September 3, 2023
Uiagalelei accounted for five of Oregon State’s six touchdowns and displayed tremendous accuracy, completing 80% of his passes. His scoring ability was never in question given his track record at Clemson, but the high completion rate is a stark step forward from the inconsistency that plagued him at times with the Tigers.
Love this @BeaverFootball team.
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) September 3, 2023
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.
Oregon State returned numerous key pieces to create a comfortable landing spot for Uiagalelei. The Beavers provide him with one of the best offensive lines in the Pac-12, if not the country, and they boast a receiving corps with game-changing speed. Paired with a defense that ranked at or near the top of the league in numerous categories a year ago, Uiagalelei could take Oregon State to the next level.
This is just complete dominance by the Oregon State offense. We thought they would be better, but this is a different level.
— T.J. Mathewson (@tjmathewson) September 3, 2023
Uiagalelei’s arrival signaled a potential step forward for an Oregon State offense that moved the ball effectively on the ground last year but struggled through the air. The upgrade under center generated a significant amount of optimism throughout the offseason, and the unit delivered on its hype. The Beavers had no trouble keeping the chains moving in the quarterback’s efficient debut, converting on 5-of-8 third downs and scoring on six of their nine total possessions.
DJ Uiagalelei is the seventh Pac-12 QB to throw three or more TD passes in the nine games the conference has played this weekend.
— Bryan Fischer (@BryanDFischer) September 3, 2023
The Pac-12 is the conference of quarterbacks in its final year in existence. The conference possesses multiple Heisman Trophy candidates, including Caleb Williams, Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix, who all enjoyed stellar performances over the weekend. Considering strong play at the position is somewhat of a prerequisite to compete in the Pac-12, Oregon State appears to be in good shape.
DJ Uiagalelei is on fire today. This is the perfect offense for him.
— Barrett Sallee ?? (@BarrettSallee) September 3, 2023
Upon arrival in Corvallis, Uiagalelei explained that he chose Oregon State largely because of its offensive system. The Beavers run a pro-style scheme that emphasizes the play-action pass, which he claimed fits his skillset. Offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren and head coach Jonathan Smith are known quarterback developers, so perhaps they can help Uiagalelei reach his lofty ceiling by putting him in positions to be successful.
— John Canzano (@johncanzanobft) September 3, 2023Oregon 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.”
Oregon State returned three starters from an offensive line that ranked among the nation’s best last season, and the group picked up where it left off in the 2023 season opener, allowing just one sack and one additional quarterback hurry. It also paved the way for the Beavers to rack up 197 rushing yards, led by star sophom*ore Damien Martinez, who tallied 145 himself.
