Five possible destinations for transfer QB D.J. Uiagalelei

D.J. Uiagalelei hasn’t quite lived up to his five start-hype, but the Clemson quarterback is still one of the most coveted names in the transfer portal. After serving as the Tigers' starting quarterback the past two years, Uiagalelei entered his name in the database Monday, two days after Clemson benched him in favor of freshman Cade Klubnik during the ACC Championship Game.

Uiagalelei completed 61.9% of his passes for 2,521 yards and 22 touchdowns with seven interceptions. He also added 545 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground. The 6-foot-4, 235-pound quarterback has made 28 starts over 36 appearances through his three seasons at Clemson, combining for 5,681 and 36 touchdowns with 17 interceptions through the air and 913 yards and 15 more scores on the ground.

Uiagalelei came to Clemson as the No. 3 overall player and top pro-style quarterback in the 2020 class and was thought to follow Deshaun Watson and Trevor Lawrence as the Tigers’ next elite quarterback. Now he will look to live up to his potential in a different program. Here’s a look at five possible destinations.

UCLA is one of the biggest favorites to land Uiagalelei as the Bruins make sense for several reasons. Chip Kelly has had success utilizing dual-threat passers, most recently with senior Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who threw for 2,883 yards and 25 touchdowns while rushing for 632 yards and 11 touchdowns this season. Uiagalelei is also a Southern California native and would welcome the return back home.

Oregon transformed Bo Nix into one of the nation’s most productive quarterbacks this season. Could it do the same with Uiagalelei next year?

After three mediocre seasons at Auburn, Nix excelled for the Ducks this season, completing 71.5% of his passes for 3,388 yards and 27 touchdowns while rushing for 504 yards and 14 touchdowns. With Nix likely to move on to the next level, the door could be open for Uiagalelei to make a similar transformation in Oregon.

Oregon offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham left to take the head coaching job at Arizona State. However, the Ducks' offense should still feature a similar style next season.

Oregon is also one of the contenders for D.J.’s younger brother, Matayo, a five-star defensive end in next year’s class. Could the two be a package deal for the Ducks?

With Dillingham now at Arizona State, could he sell Uiagalelei on his offense in Tempe? The Sun Devils return Trenton Bourguet and Florida transfer Emory Jones who split time at quarterback the past season, but Uiagalelei would be an upgrade on both.

While Arizona State wouldn’t be the same homecoming as UCLA, Tempe, is just six hours from Uiagalelei’s home in Bellflower, Calif.

Notre Dame is plenty familiar with Uiagalelei after going up against him as a starter twice in the past three seasons. The Clemson quarterback torched the Irish for 439 yards and two touchdowns through the air while adding another score with his feet in 2020. This year he was far more pedestrian, throwing for 191 yards with a touchdown and an interception while adding 23 yards on the ground.

Notre Dame lost starter Drew Pyne to the transfer portal this offseason. The Irish returns Tyler Buchner, who started in the first two games of the season before having his year cut short due to a shoulder injury. Still, head coach Marcus Freeman will be in the market to add a proven passer to his improving roster.

While most predict Uiagalelei to head back West, Virginia could be an enticing option if he elects to remain in the ACC. The Cavaliers just lost Brennan Armstrong to the portal. In addition, Virginia head coach Tony Elliot served as Uiagalelei's offensive coordinator during his first two seasons at Clemson.