DOVER, Del. — Delaware State has selected its starting quarterback for Thursday night’s opener. Head coach DeSean Jackson named senior transfer Ui Ale the starter against Stony Brook. Jackson announced the decision during Monday’s MEAC coaches media availability.
“Ui has emerged as the starter right now,” Jackson said. “Over the past week and a half or two weeks, he’s emerged as the No. 1 starter.”
Delaware State’s quarterback room changed late in training camp. Jackson recently added former Coastal Carolina quarterback Samari Collier to an already crowded competition. Despite that late addition, Ale separated himself and earned the opening assignment.
Ui Ale wins the late competition
Ale played at Houston and Troy before transferring to Delaware State. However, he arrived in Dover still needing to prove he could lead this offense. The crowded competition required Ale to separate himself during the final practices.
Jackson said Ale began taking command during the final portion of camp. His control extended beyond simply completing passes during team periods. Ale also helped the offensive line communicate calls and manage assignments.
“We feel very confident that he can come in and win us a game,” Jackson said. “Those guys have been taking command and taking the load off our offensive line.”
Ale’s emergence came while Delaware State continued adding competition. Collier joined the Hornets shortly before the season after playing last year at Coastal Carolina. His arrival gave Jackson another experienced option but did not prevent Ale’s rise.
The Hornets also return Jayden Sauray, who received meaningful playing time last season. Therefore, Jackson entered camp with several different skill sets available at quarterback. Ale earned the first opportunity, but the room remains active behind him.
Delaware State could still use multiple quarterbacks
Jackson named Ale the starter without declaring the competition completely finished. He expects at least one other quarterback to receive snaps against Stony Brook. That plan gives Delaware State opportunities to evaluate the position during actual competition.
“You’ll see another guy or two come in and take some reps,” Jackson said. “We’re very comfortable with Ui and a few other guys coming in and providing a spark.”
Jackson did not identify which quarterbacks would enter behind Ale. He also did not explain whether their appearances would follow a planned rotation. That leaves Collier, Sauray and Delaware State’s other quarterbacks competing for secondary roles.
Still, Ale’s designation gives the offense a clear starting point. He will receive the first chance to establish rhythm and command Thursday. The other quarterbacks must be ready if Jackson searches for a different spark.
Ale will lead a changing Delaware State offense
The quarterback decision carries additional importance because Delaware State’s offense is changing. Last season, the Hornets led the FCS in rushing during Jackson’s 8-4 debut. This year’s personnel could require more production from the passing game.
Jackson has avoided promising another run-heavy offense before seeing his new lineup compete. Instead, he wants the quarterback position to help reveal Delaware State’s strongest identity. Ale will receive the first opportunity to direct that process.
“Going into Week One, it’s going to look different than last year,” Jackson said. “Whatever it’s going to take for us to have success, we’re going to be great at it.”
That approach makes Ale the starter without making him Delaware State’s only quarterback option. He earned the job during the final weeks of a changing competition. Now he must keep it while Jackson continues evaluating the entire room.
Delaware State hosts Stony Brook Thursday at 6 p.m. ET inside Alumni Stadium. The game will stream live through the MEAC Digital Network. The quarterback competition may continue, but the opening huddle belongs to Ui Ale.