D.J. Uiagalelei transfer rumors are scorching hot after Clemson QB is benched

Clemson benched D.J. D.J. Uiagalelei during the game vs. Pitt but the Tigers have quarterback insurance in case he decides to transfer after losing his job.

D.J. Uiagalelei has been benched as his first year as the starting quarterback for Clemson has not gone according to the plan.

The former five-star recruit was supposed to make a seamless transition from Trevor Lawrence and be the next great Clemson quarterback. He was among the two leading candidates to win the Heisman in the preseason. Although, hindsight makes that look bad considering Spencer Rattler was the preseason favorite and now both have been benched.

Transfer rumors spiked after Rattler was benched and the same is happening with Uiagalelei who isn’t draft-eligible like Rattler. Should Clemson not give Uiagalelei his job back this season, he could elect to transfer, perhaps closer to his native California.

But if he does, Clemson is prepared with a great quarterback coming in next year.

Cade Klubnik is good insurance in case D.J. Uiageleli transfers from Clemson

No. 1 quarterback Cade Klubnik is a five-star prospect and poised to follow the tradition of five-star recruits coming to Clemson. However, he’ll look to have more success than what we’ve seen so far out of Uiagalelei.

The Westlake, Texas native could start right away if Uiagalelei does transfer, which at this point, is all speculation. It may be just a brief benching and he wins his job back. There are much bigger problems with the Clemson offense than just his play.

Offensive coordinator Tony Elliott may be out of a job by the end of the year, Clemson’s receiver depth has been challenged all year, especially vs. Pitt, the offensive line is a disaster and the running back room has been decimated by transfers, injury and lack of production.

It’s a big offseason for head coach Dabo Swinney, but quarterback shouldn’t be one of them.

And then there’s always the luster of Arch Manning coming to Death Valley in the 2023 class.

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