Welcome to Glass Slipper! Let’s all just forget about that Rory McIlroy prediction that I made on Tuesday; please enjoy the show.

- Jacob Rhee

When Trevor Lawrence tested positive for COVID in 2020, the door suddenly swung wide open for a true freshman quarterback to introduce himself. DJ Uiagalelei was a mammoth recruit - Bryce Young was the lone player ahead of him in the class - but there was no way he was prepared for this. First-ranked Clemson had a matchup against a middling but pesky Boston College team, before a huge clash with No. 4 Notre Dame in South Bend. I was licking my lips; the Tigers were going to lose at least one of the two.

The Eagles came out and punched Clemson in the mouth, but Uiagalelei and company scored 24 unanswered points to squeak out a victory. My dad and I looked at each other with raised eyebrows throughout the comeback. It was special stuff from a 19-year-old in his first collegiate start.

The kid was even better against the Fighting Irish. This time, my dad and I were letting out audible noises in reaction to his throws. The arm talent was unbelievable; Mike Tirico was in awe on the broadcast, and so were we. Uiagalelei finished 29-44 for 429 yards and 3 total touchdowns. The Tigers lost the game, but it sure didn’t feel like I had gotten my wish. Instead, the consecutive dazzling performances only confirmed that Clemson was going to be just fine after Lawrence exited the program.

But things took an unexpected turn the following year, when it was officially DJ’s show. He was absolutely awful. Uiagalelei completed 55.6 percent of his passes, and threw more interceptions than touchdowns on the season. Dabo Swinney gave him another chance in 2022, and he underwhelmed again. Ultimately, Uiagalelei grabbed his Dr. Pepper commercials and hopped into the portal.

The change of scenery was not a magic potion. DJ had a forgettable year at Oregon State, and decided to transfer one more time. With Jordan Travis headed to the NFL, Florida State took a chance on the former five-star.

So, here we are. Despite boasting a 13-0 record, the 2023 Seminoles were instructed by the College Football Playoff Selection Committee to sit and watch the festivities along with the rest of us. The program then became a laughingstock; after whining about the snub, players opted out of the Orange Bowl and left their teammates to endure an annihilation against Georgia.

Needless to say, this is a motivated Florida State roster. Though he’s new in town, it’s Uiagalelei’s responsibility to get retribution. There are no more excuses. This is the third school in three years for a guy that was getting serious preseason Heisman buzz in the summer of 2021. DJ is surrounded by a great coaching staff and elite talent; it’s time to finally justify the hype.

Pressroom

Spin It

“Night Drive” by Ari Lennox. A perfect song. Enjoy.