New beginnings for DJ Uiagalelei and 5 other college quarterbacks

Adam Rittenberg, ESPN

• Elder WriterMay 30, 2023, 08:00 AM ET Close College football press reporter.
• Signed up with ESPN.com in 2008.
• Graduate of Northwestern University.CORVALLIS, Ore.– DJ Uiagalelei walked to the back of Oregon State’s media space, searching for an off-switch to stop the music still blasting from an image shoot with checking out recruits.After a quick search, he discovered the ideal button and took a seat as the room fell quiet. Uiagalelei doesn’t need a soundtrack for the next stage of his college profession. He experienced the glitz of being a first-class recruit for an upper-crust program, and was then anointed as Clemson’s next fantastic quarterback, following Trevor Lawrence and Deshaun Watson. Uiagalelei was amongst the first group of high-profile college professional athletes to take advantage of name, image and likeness opportunities, reaching handle Dr Pepper, Bojangles and other brands.He lives an easier life these days, even while trying to soak up a complicated offense at Oregon State, where he transferred after three years at Clemson. Uiagalelei moved from a little college town in the Southeast to one in the Northwest, however the locations and the programs could not be more various. Clemson is the ultimate fishbowl, particularly for the starting quarterback of a yearly College Football Playoff contender. Here, he delights in a level of anonymity, not drawing much attention as he and his girlfriend sample restaurants around town.Those who have been around Oregon State explain the program as one where outsized egos don’t fly. Uiagalelei has combined in well. He selected Oregon State with a clear purpose, to master an offense he feels much better fits his skills, and one that will eventually help his profile for the NFL. He likewise does not want to look too far ahead.”My story, this is not how I pictured it, but that’s the appeal of it,”Uiagalelei told ESPN. “You always have a sense of what you desire your future to appear like, everyone dreams about it, however you don’t know.

You’re not guaranteed tomorrow, we’re only assured today.” Uiagalelei is among the group of quarterbacks looking for new beginnings at various programs in 2023. Some are immersing themselves in new systems, while others followed familiar coaches, looked for larger platforms or just

desired a new environment. Here’s a more detailed look at Uiagalelei’s relocate to Oregon State and 5 other quarterbacks– NC State’s Brennan Armstrong, Purdue’s Hudson Card, Notre Dame’s Sam Hartman, Kentucky’s Devin Leary and BYU’s Kedon Slovis– who are starting brand-new chapters in their college careers.Jump to: Oregon State’s DJ Uiagalelei NC State’s Brennan Armstrong|Purdue’s Hudson Card Notre Dame’s Sam Hartman|Kentucky’s Devin Leary BYU’s Kedon Slovis DJ Uiagalelei Ali Gradischer/Getty Images Previous school: Clemson 2022 stats: 2,521 pass yards, 29 overall TDs, 7 interceptions, 62.1% conclusions