David John Uiagalelei
Early life
Uiagalelei, who is of
Samoans descent,
attended St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower, California.
As a junior in 2018, he was the
USA Today High School Offensive Player of the Year after throwing for 3,366 yards and 48 touchdowns.
As a senior, he passed for 4,225 yards and 48 touchdowns.
Uiagalelei also played baseball in high school.
A five-star recruit, Uiagalelei committed to Clemson University to play college football on May 5, 2019. He signed with them on December 18, 2019, and enrolled at Clemson on January 8, 2020.
College career
Clemson
Uiagalelei started his first game for Clemson on October 31, 2020, against Boston College. He replaced
Trevor Lawrence, who was ruled out after testing positive for COVID-19.
Uiagalelei completed 31 passes on 40 attempts for 342 yards and 2 touchdowns in leading Clemson to a comeback victory after being down by 18 points in the first half.
He started a second game in place of Lawrence the following week on November 7, 2020, against undefeated Notre Dame; Clemson lost to the Irish in an overtime thriller, 47-40, despite another impressive performance by Uiagalelei, who completed 29 of 44 passes for 439 yards and 2 touchdowns.
In 2021, after Trevor Lawrence left for the NFL, Uiagalelei became Clemson's starting quarterback. He came into the season with much hype. The Tigers were ranked #3 in the nation in the preseason poll. He signed a deal with Dr. Pepper and Bojangles to appear in their commercials throughout the season. Clemson's first challenge of the season would come against the then #5 Georgia Bulldogs. Uiagalelei played poorly, going 19-for-37 on pass attempts, threw for 178 yards, no touchdowns, and an interception. The game's only touchdown came from a pick six thrown by Uiagalelei. Clemson ultimately lost the opener, 10–3.
After being benched in favor of five star freshman Cade Klubnik during the 2022 ACC Championship Game, Uiagalelei announced his decision to enter the transfer portal on December 4, 2022.
Oregon State
On December 24, 2022, Uiagalelei announced that he would be transferring to Oregon State University of the Pac-12 Conference.
On July 11, 2023, Uiagalelei was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 20th round, with the 610th overall selection, of the 2023 Major League Baseball draft, but did not sign.
On August 22, 2023, Oregon State named Uiagalelei the starting quarterback over Ben Gulbranson and Aidan Chiles.
Florida State
On January 1, 2024, Uiagalelei announced that he would be transferring to Florida State University for his final year of eligibility.
In a game against SMU, Uiagalelei injured his hand and was ruled out for an extended period of time.
In 5 starts for the team, he totaled 1,065 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions with 84 completions on 156 attempts.
On December 16, 2024, Uiagalelei declared for the 2025 NFL draft.
College statistics
Collegiate Awards and honors
-
2x ACC Champion (2020, 2022)
-
Cheeze-It Bowl Champion (2021)
-
Pac-12 Week 6 Offensive Player of the Week (2023)
-
ACC Week 4 Quarterback of the Week (2022)
-
2x ACC Rookie of the Week (2020 Week 8 and Week 9)
Professional career
After going unselected in the 2025 NFL draft, Uiagalelei signed with the Los Angeles Chargers as an undrafted free agent on April 26, 2025.
Personal life
Uiagalelei is a
Christianity.
He attended regular Bible study while at Clemson and wears wristbands with Bible verses on them including , , , and .
Uiagalelei has a younger brother, Matayo, who plays defensive end for the Oregon Ducks.
Uiagalelei was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball in the 20th round of the 2023 MLB Draft, but did not sign.
External links
