One of many conversation topics in the wake of the report that D.J. Uiagalelei will transfer to Oregon State is this: Did Oregon State get the right guy? Did the Beavers get the quarterback they needed, or did they settle for a prospect who is not as good as other available transfer portal quarterbacks?
Let’s be direct about this: If a prospect wants to transfer to a school, the school has to want him. No one is forcing the school to take in a transfer. The football program — most specifically and centrally, the head coach — has to think it’s a good idea. If the coach says no, the player doesn’t transfer.
Jonathan Smith is clearly comfortable with the idea that D.J. Uiagalelei will be his starting quarterback at Oregon State in the 2023 season.
We have to ask, then: Did Jonathan Smith get the right quarterback for the Beavers? Other quarterbacks were available in the portal. Let’s look at them: