Florida State Football Secures Top Talent: Building a Strong Future for 2025 and Beyond

Written by Published

Florida State football wrapped up a busy weekend with its official visits. Thirteen prospects descended on the campus for the big exit meeting on Sunday, all gearing up to make their decisions over the summer. With the current class of 2025 sitting at six verbal commits, head coach Mike Norvell is optimistic about doubling that number before the 2024 season kicks off. The Seminoles are clearly focused on the future, aiming to bolster their roster with top-tier talent.

Exciting news came on Saturday when FSU landed a commitment from Brady Smigiel, a four-star quarterback from California. Smigiel is set to be a significant addition, marking the second quarterback commitment for the classes of 2025 and 2026. This follows the earlier commitment of Tramell Jones Jr. from Jacksonville, the sole quarterback in Norvell's 2025 class. Smigiel's decision underscores the Seminoles' intent to build a robust offensive lineup.

Recent Commitments and Rising Stars

Among the latest commitments, defensive lineman Kevin Wynn's decision stands out. Just 24 hours after his official visit, Wynn, affectionately known as "Juju," announced his verbal commitment to FSU on Monday evening. Wynn, a 6-foot-2, 320-pound defensive lineman from Greene County High School in Greensboro, Georgia, chose FSU over heavyweights like Texas, Georgia, and South Carolina.

"It felt like home," Wynn told 247 Sports. "I fit right into the defensive scheme with Coach Odell (Haggins). He’s been here for 30-plus years, so I know he’s not going anywhere." Wynn’s familiarity with a four-down front, similar to his high school defense, played a crucial role in his decision. Over three seasons, Wynn has racked up impressive stats with 57 tackles-for-loss and seven sacks.

FSU's defensive front continues to strengthen with another significant addition. Four-star defensive tackle Myron Charles from Port Charlotte committed to the Seminoles, becoming the seventh player in the 2025 class and the second defensive tackle. With offers from Texas, Miami, and Florida, Charles’s decision is a big win for FSU. On3 Sports ranks him as the No. 4 defensive lineman and No. 8 in Florida.

Wide Receiver Boost

FSU's offense received a substantial boost when four-star wide receiver CJ Wiley committed to the Seminoles. Wiley, a 6-foot-4, 195-pound receiver from Alpharetta, Georgia, made his decision public on Tuesday afternoon at his high school. He chose FSU over strong contenders LSU and Georgia, solidifying his place as a top prospect.

Wiley's junior year was nothing short of spectacular, leading Milton High School to a state championship with 68 catches, 1,468 yards, and 14 touchdowns. On3 Sports ranks Wiley as the No. 6 wide receiver nationally and in Georgia. His commitment adds significant firepower to the Seminoles' offensive strategy.

Building the Future: Key Commitments

FSU's recent recruitment drive has seen three notable commits in the 2025 and 2026 classes in just a few days. In addition to Smigiel and Wynn, four-star defensive lineman Kevin Wynn and four-star wide receiver CJ Wiley have joined the ranks. The Seminoles are clearly making strategic moves to secure top talent early.

Here’s a look at the current commits and some key prospects strongly considering FSU:

Class of 2025

  • Solomon Thomas: 5-star offensive tackle from Raines (Jacksonville, FL)
  • Javion Hilson: 4-star edge rusher from Cocoa (Cocoa, FL)
  • Myron Charles: 4-star defensive lineman from Port Charlotte (Port Charlotte, FL)
  • Kevin Wynn: 4-star defensive lineman from Greene County (Greensboro, GA)
  • CJ Wiley: 4-star wide receiver from Milton (Alpharetta, GA)
  • Tramell Jones: 3-star quarterback from Mandarin (Jacksonville, FL)
  • Ethan Pritchard: 3-star linebacker from Seminole (Sanford, FL)

Class of 2026

  • Brady Smigiel: 4-star quarterback from Newbury Park (Newbury Park, CA)
  • Darryon Williams: 4-star athlete from Gaither (Tampa, FL)
  • Efrem White: 4-star wide receiver from Vero Beach (Vero Beach, FL)
  • Darryl Bell III: 3-star safety from Barbara Coleman (Hialeah, FL)

Prospects to Watch

Several top prospects are strongly considering FSU, which could further enhance the team’s future. Here are a few names to keep an eye on:

  • Shamar Arnoux: 3-star cornerback from Carrollton (Carrollton, GA)
  • Vernell Brown III: 4-star wide receiver from Jones (Orlando, FL)
  • Ladarian Clardy: 4-star safety from Escambia (Pensacola, FL)
  • Hollis Davidson: 3-star tight end from McIntosh (Peachtree City, GA)
  • Ty Haywood: 5-star offensive lineman from Ryan (Denton, TX)
  • Kaliq Lockett: 5-star wide receiver from Sachse (Sachse, TX)
  • Byron Louis: 3-star running back from American Heritage (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
  • Peyton Joseph: 4-star offensive lineman from Houston County (Warner Robins, GA)
  • Daylan McCutcheon: 4-star wide receiver from Lovejoy (Lucas, TX)
  • Gavin Nix: 4-star linebacker from IMG Academy (Bradenton, FL)
  • Josh Petty: 5-star offensive lineman from Fellowship Christian School (Roswell, GA)
  • Max Redmon: 3-star safety from Cardinal Newman (West Palm Beach, FL)
  • Lamont Rogers: 4-star offensive lineman from Horn (Mesquite, TX)
  • Gregory Isaiah Thomas: 4-star defensive back from American Heritage (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
  • Tavion Wallace: 4-star linebacker from Wayne County (Jesup, GA)
  • Jalen Wiggins: 4-star defensive lineman from Rickards (Tallahassee, FL)

The Seminoles' strategic recruiting efforts are paying off as they continue to secure commitments from top prospects. With a solid mix of offensive and defensive talents, FSU is building a formidable team poised for success in the coming seasons. Coach Norvell and his team are clearly committed to creating a powerhouse, and the future looks bright for Florida State football.