While Florida State’s 2023 campaign did not end the way they had hoped for, they have a very good chance to have another strong season in 2024 since they are seen as favorites for two of the best quarterbacks in this year’s transfer portal.
Despite the frustrations of the last few weeks, this was a tremendous season for the Florida State football program as the team won its first 13 games, including the ACC Conference Championship. However, a dark cloud was placed over their season when they were snubbed by the college football playoff committee and left out of this year’s tournament.
Related: Florida State and ACC trash CFP committee after playoff snub: What is the point of playing games?
With far less to play for, 23 players — including their top two quarterbacks — decided to skip their Orange Bowl matchup with Georgia to prepare for the 2024 NFL Draft or find a new home through the transfer portal. It unsurprisingly led to a disastrous showing and a 63-3 result this past weekend. However, expectations for next season are still high.
A top college football explained to Sportsnaut last month the transfer portal has helped Florida State remain a top team in the nation and a pair of reports this week provided more evidence for that belief.
On New Year’s Eve, ESPN college football insider Pete Thamel revealed that Oregon State’s starting QB “DJ Uiagalelei has emerged as Florida State’s top target in the NCAA transfer portal. He’s yet to commit, but the sides are expected to engage in the near future. Uiagalelei visited there earlier in December and he’s been expected to choose between FSU and the NFL.”
Related: Florida States CFP snub reportedly last straw and could soon restart ACC exit plans
Florida State is also a favorite for Washington State’s starting QB
Yet the QB transfer talk doesn’t end there for FSU. Along with Uiagalelei, they are reportedly in the hunt for the other starting signing caller left in what was formerly the PAC-12 conference. 247 Sports claimed on Monday that Washington State starter Cameron Ward is also contemplating a move to Florida State.
The quarterback met with FSU and Florida Gators officials in December and the outlet says the QB is expected to make his final decision in the next “24 hours.”
Uiagalelei threw for 2,638 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, and seven interceptions for the Beavers this season as he led them to an 8-5 this season. The Junior from Washington State threw for 3,736 passing yards, 25 TDs, and 7 INTs for a 5-7 Cougars team in 2023. Ward is viewed as the best QB left in the transfer portal.
Update:
Soon after publishing, Ward took his name out of the college football transfer portal and officially declared for the 2024 NFL Draft.