Oregon State coach Jonathan Smith explains decision to make DJ Uiagalelei the starting QB

DJ Uiagalelei’s performance during Oregon State’s two preseason camp scrimmages was the difference in winning the starting quarterback job for the Clemson transfer.
A week after deciding to name Uiagalelei as his starter, coach Jonathan Smith explained that the “body of work” throughout three weeks of practice was a secondary factor.
Uiagalelei beat out fourth-year sophomore Ben Gulbranson and freshman Aidan Chiles for the starting job. Gulbranson came into camp as the incumbent, after starting the final eight games of Oregon State’s 2022 season.
“He just continued to get better and better,” Smith said of Uiagalelei on Tuesday during his opening week news conference. “We had two big scrimmages and he played the best in those two.
“I think we’ve got other guys in the room that can compete and help win games. But the separator in our minds was really those two scrimmages.”
Uiagalelei is the most experienced quarterback on Oregon State’s roster, having started 28 games over three seasons. With the 6-foot-4, 251-pound Uiagalelei starting, Oregon State hopes to add punch to its offense, in part with his ability to run, but more importantly, pass the ball downfield. The Beavers’ offense has been a bit incomplete the past two years, as they could run, but were erratic with explosive pass plays.
“We put a lot of work into it,” Smith said. “I’m anticipating us to be able to do some of that. We’ll see what it looks like on Sunday … just looking at the season in general, but starting in San Jose, we need to be explosive and score enough.”
At Clemson, Uiagalelei passed for 5,681 yards and 36 touchdowns during his three-year career.
As for the backup role, Smith said it’s close between Chiles and Gulbranson. Chiles has shown incredible ability during spring and camp practices, but he hasn’t taken a snap in a college game and doesn’t turn 18 until September. Gulbranson was 7-1 as a starting quarterback last season, and showed improvement during camp practices.
Smith said they’ll give Gulbranson and Chiles some reps in practice this week and decide close to game day.