In a Pac-12 conference loaded with transfer QB talent, one has flown under the radar on a top 15 team. This former 5-star recruit was only ranked behind one quarterback in his class, future first overall pick Bryce Young. However, in his third full season as a starter, it still feels as if DJ Uiagalelei has yet to reach his full potential.
Uiagalelei took a huge step in the right direction last Saturday night at Cal. DJ led No.15 Oregon State to a 52-40 win over the Golden Bears in typical “Pac-12 After Dark” fashion. The Clemson transfer showcased his incredible arm talent throwing for 275 and five touchdowns in the game. Uiagalelei was deemed to have “generational arm strength” coming out of high school, and he finally showcased that to his full potential Saturday.
The game was back and forth throughout, with the Beavs and Bears trading punches that led to a 35-32 OSU lead heading into the fourth quarter. DJ was able to find junior wideout Anthony Gould for a huge 31-yard gain on 3rd and 8 on the first drive of the fourth, and star RB Damien Martinez was able to punch it in to put the Beavers up ten. Uiagalelei provided the dagger in the OSU win, finding Isaac Hodgins for the score to put the Beavs up 49-32.
In a year where six Pac-12 teams are in the top 25, it is unsurprising that the Beavers have flown under the radar. However, DJ Uiagalelei is thriving under the radar, having his best collegiate season to date. His 86.5 QBR is good for seventh in the nation, and with Oregon State having potentially the easiest remaining schedule of the top Pac-12 teams, they have a real shot at sneaking into the conference title game.
