Why is DJ Uiagalelei not attending ACC Media Days 2024? Looking at FSU QB's latest decision

Replacing Florida State Seminoles former quarterback, Jordan Travis, was always going to be a tough task but DJ Uiagalelei seems to be the right choice for FSU coach Mike Norvell. The Oregon State Beavers transfer will enter his fifth year in college football and lead an aggrieved team into the 2024 season which will see an expanded 12-team college football playoff.

Most recently, DJ Uiagalelei declined the opportunity to attend the ACC Media Days on Tuesday as he believes their players from last year's team should represent Florida State instead of him.

"I was honored to be invited by the conference office to represent Florida State at this year’s ACC Kickoff. The experience of attending that event in 2021 and 2022 is among the highlights of my time in college, and I appreciate being viewed as one of the conference’s top players heading into this season," DJ Uiagalelei wrote.

"However, I feel strongly that Florida State should be represented by players who were part of last year’s ACC championship team. The players who helped put this program back on top of the ACC should have the opportunity to be recognized for their contributions. This team is more than its quarterback, and I’m excited for my teammates who will experience this fantastic event."

DJ Uiagalelei receives praise from Seminoles coach

Last season, DJ Uiagalelei was one of the top quarterbacks in college football throwing for 2,638 yards on 57.1% completion resulting in 21 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also added 219 rushing yards resulting in six touchdowns.

In an interview with ESPN, his Florida State Seminoles coach Mike Norvell was full of praise for his abilities and experience.

“I think DJ Uiagalelei is the total package. You see an elite-level talent, skill. Obviously the size. And really he has a lot of great experience. And that experience, some of it’s been really good, some of it’s been challenges that he’s had to overcome and work through but I think when you bring all of that to the person, it starts with him, with his heart," Norvell said.

"Just a great person, great in the locker room. The guys in that quarterback room, they’re all competing with and for each other. They love him and what he brings and it’s really been fun watching those relationships emerge.”

With his decision to skip the ACC Media Days in favor of his teammates getting some of the spotlight that usually lands on the quarterback, it seems that Mike Norvell made the right decision to recruit DJ Uiagalelei.