QB DJ Uiagalelei is named as the starting signal-caller versus California

Florida State football dealt with various injuries last week in losing to Memphis by a score of 20-12. The Seminoles have now fallen to 0-3 on the season that had so many preseason expectations of being a sensational football squad.

The Seminoles were without players such as offensive tackle Darius Washington (injured in pre-game warmups), offensive tackle Jeremiah Byers, and safety Shyheim Brown last week. The most pivotal position was probably having the top two tackles out since Robert Scott Jr. has not been the same player since the injuries and Jaylen Early is still developing as a youngster.

Thankfully, the Seminoles get the "quarterback" of the defense back in Shyheim Brown. He has been a versatile piece for them in what was a disappointing start for the defensive unit.

The biggest news of the day has to be when ESPN's Pete Thamel reported that redshirt senior quarterback DJ Uiagalelei will be the starting signal-caller for today's contest versus Memphis. Uiagalelei has struggled to say the least during the 2024 season.

However, the lack of a running game, wide receivers dropping catchers, and offensive line regression have certainly not helped anything. Overall, I was fine with starting Uiagalelei in the first three games of the season because I thought that he gave the program the best chance to win.

However, now that Florida State is 0-3 with the conference championship and College Football Playoff hopes in the rearview mirror, it is time to #FreeThemYoungings and see what the youngsters have to offer with nine games remaining in the regular season.

I understand that the coaching staff gets paid to win football games. However, this program is in dire need of finding out what it has before the Alabama Crimson Tide comes to Tallahassee for the 2025 season opener. I hope that Uiagalelei channels in his Oregon State days and plays like he did against California in 2023 with the Beavers.