CFB insider challenges QB DJ Uiagalelei to prove he can lead Florida State’s revival in 2024

College football insider Cole Cubelic has thrown down the gauntlet for Florida State Seminoles quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, urging him to prove he can spearhead the team's revival in 2024. Cubelic isn't convinced Uiagalelei, a seasoned player with 48 college games under his belt, has what it takes to lead coach Mike Norvell's FSU on a championship run.

Uiagalelei, who previously played for the Clemson Tigers and the Oregon State Beavers, has faced scrutiny over his career. After transferring to Oregon State in December 2022, he announced another move following coach Jonathan Smith's departure to Michigan State in November.

On Tuesday, speaking on the "McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning" show, Cubelic expressed his doubts about the Seminoles QB1.

“I don’t think DJ Uiagalelei is not a good quarterback. I just don’t think he’s a great quarterback," Cubelic said. "And I don’t see him as a guy that can put a team on his back and say, ‘I’ll get us to 10 wins by God. That’s gonna happen.’ I don’t see that.”

Despite his mixed track record, Uiagalelei's statistics with the Beavers in 2023, racking up 2,638 yards, 21 touchdowns and a quarterback rating of 81.0 (12th in the league), were impressive.

The Seminoles are set to kick off their season against Georgia Tech on Aug. 24 at the 2024 Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin, Ireland.

The challenge is clear: Can Uiagalelei step up and lead the Seminoles to glory? Only time will tell.

Is DJ Uiagalelei the answer for the Florida State Seminoles?

DJ Uiagalelei talks at a newcomer availability. (IMAGN)

DJ Uiagalelei, who shone at St. John Bosco in high school, is now taking steps to prove himself at Florida State. After six practices in the 2024 fall camp, he's feeling good about his progress. According to the Tallahassee Democrat, Uiagalelei is getting better at running coach Mike Norvell's offense.

"I feel comfortable," Uiagalelei said. "I am more comfortable than I was in the spring. As the spring kept going on, I got more comfortable with a lot of different checks in the offensive scheme, the motions, and stuff like that. So I've been in it more and more."

Uiagalelei believes the Seminoles' offense has improved since spring. According to him, the team's hard work in the spring has carried over through the summer and now into fall camp. The quarterback is focused on showing up consistently every day.

“I'm trying to show up each and every day and be the same person," Uiagalelei said. "Just be a consistent guy, a consistent teammate, and lead by example.”

Uiagalelei's competitive spirit is sure to excite FSU fans this coming season.