Oregon State's Uiagalelei to enter transfer portal

Oregon State quarterback DJ Uiagalelei is entering the transfer portal, he announced on Thursday.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to grow as a football player and a person within this program. My brothers, I am forever thankful for the relationships we've built while I've been here," Uiagalelei said in a statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Uiagalelei, 22, will explore his options for a second straight offseason after transferring from Clemson to join the Beavers last winter.

The California native is deciding between entering the 2024 NFL Draft and finding a new home for his final year of eligibility in the coming weeks, sources told ESPN's Pete Thamel.

The 6-foot-4, 252-pound signal-caller passed for 2,638 yards, 21 touchdowns, and seven interceptions with a 145.05 QB rating in his lone season at Oregon State.

Uiagalelei initially committed to playing for Clemson to begin his collegiate career. Considered one of the top-rated passers in the 2020 recruiting cycle, Uiagalelei spent three seasons with the Tigers. He threw for 5,681 yards and 36 touchdowns during his tenure.

Aidan Chiles and Ben Gulbranson are among the options to replace Uiagalelei ahead of the postseason and moving forward.

Oregon State has now lost its starting quarterback and head coach in successive weeks after Jonathan Smith left to fill the head coaching vacancy at Michigan State. Defensive coordinator Trent Bray was promoted to head coach after Smith's departure.