Believe it or not, there is a chance that Florida State quarterback DJ Uiagalelei could return to for a sixth and final season of college football. The 23-year-old has yet to decide on whether he wants to go down that path or if he wants to seek a professional opportunity in the National Football League.
A return for 2025 would require him to shut down for the remainder of 2024, and even then, it may not be possible.
Uiagalelei spent the first three years of his career at Clemson. He played one year at Oregon State. This was supposed to be his last season.
However, things have not gone well. Uiagalelei has thrown six interceptions to just four touchdowns while completing less than 55% of his passes. The Seminoles are 1-4 after being ranked inside the Top 10 during the preseason.
To make matters worse for Uiagalelei, he suffered an injury to his throwing hand during last Saturday’s game against SMU and is likely out for “multiple weeks.” Brock Glenn is going to start in his place.
While that might seem like a bad thing, it may actually be a blessing in disguise!
According to Pete Nakos of On3, DJ Uiagalelei has yet to decide on how to proceed. There are two different options in front of him at this point. Neither is guaranteed to go according to plan.
Uiagalelei could choose to sit out the remainder of the college football season with hopes of receiving a medical redshirt. He would need approval from the Committee on Student-Athlete Reinstatement for an additional year of eligibility. That decision would be made based on the following “hardship” stipulations, as outlined in the NCAA manual:
- Student-athlete triggered use of one of their four seasons of competition
- The injury must occur before the completion of the first half of the season — 8th contest
- The quarterback has not participated in 30% of the max number of games — 4
- Provide medical documentation he cannot compete
The other option would be to try and return from injury this season with hopes of being drafted into the NFL or signing as an Undrafted Free Agent in April. Even that may not be possible if Glenn plays well. DJ Uiagalelei’s starting job may not be there for him when he’s ready to play.