Welcome to Fansville: Dr Pepper inks deal with CFB star QB for 2021 ad campaign

Dr Pepper is bringing back its “Fansville” advertising campaign for the 2021 season. And because of the new NCAA rules regarding name, image and likeness, the popular soda brand can now sign college athletes to deals to be involved in its advertisements.

It didn’t take long for Dr Pepper to land a top college football player, either. The company announced that it will feature Clemson quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei in its advertising campaign this season, and the Tigers sophomore QB is excited about the partnership.

“Every time I turn on the TV every Saturday, I always see a commercial with Dr Pepper,” Uiagalelei told Ross Dellenger of Sports Illustrated. “When they reached out to me, it was a no-brainer.”

And while Uiagalelei may not drink Dr Pepper all the time, it’s a treat he says he enjoys on occasion.

“I drink Dr Pepper here and there,” Uiagalelei told Dellenger. “I mean, I don’t think you need Dr Pepper every single day, but I love Dr Pepper. I drank it as a kid. It’s a great drink. I drink it now.”

We hear a new neighbor's moving to Fansville ? https://t.co/FaRUrhOEy2

— Dr Pepper (@drpepper) August 11, 2021

Uiagalelei is taking over as Clemson’s starting quarterback this season, and he has big shoes to fill. Trevor Lawrence led the Tigers to a national championship as a freshman, then went on to get selected No. 1 overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2021 NFL Draft after three stellar seasons at Clemson.

While Uiagalelei got a bit of playing time as a true freshman in 2020, he doesn’t have much experience. He went 78-for-117 with 914 yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions last season, while also scoring four rushing touchdowns.

Uiagalelei and Clemson will get the season underway when it faces Georgia in Charlotte on Sept. 4 at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

Jake Rill

Jake Rill contributes to news coverage for Saturday Down South. He has covered the SEC since 2016.