Florida State football is gaining recruiting momentum, emphasizing elite high school prospects and key transfer portal additions. Head Coach Mike Norvell is strategically strengthening the roster, particularly at quarterback and defense.
Entering spring, the Seminoles boast On3’s No. 16-ranked recruiting class, positioning them well for the future. Norvell and his staff continue to capture the interest of top targets, reflecting a focused effort to elevate FSU’s competitive standing heading into the upcoming season.
Mike Norvell’s Florida State Gaining Momentum with Elite Quarterback and Defensive Recruits
Florida State’s football program actively draws some of the nation’s top talent to Tallahassee as high-profile recruits set official visits. Among them is Jackson (Ala.) High quarterback Landon Duckworth was scheduled to visit on June 13.
He lists FSU among his leading options, alongside Georgia, South Carolina, Ole Miss, and North Carolina. Offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn leads his recruitment, and Duckworth has expressed confidence in his fit with the Seminoles.
“MCoach Gus and I have a good relationship,” Duckworth previously stated. “Me and (Mike) Norvell have been cool. I think it’s a good fit.”
Celina (Texas) High quarterback Bowe Bentley is set to visit Florida State on March 22. The Seminoles compete with Oklahoma, LSU, Ohio State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, and Texas Tech for his commitment.
Meanwhile, Oklahoma quarterback commit Jaden O’Neal remains in contact with FSU and plans to visit this spring. O’Neal, who recently visited Georgia, could be shifting focus as Bentley trends toward Oklahoma, keeping Florida State as an option.
FSU also dialogues with elite five-star quarterbacks Dia Bell and Keisean Henderson, who committed to Texas and Houston.
Beyond quarterbacks, Florida State remains in contention for several top-tier prospects. Chaminade-Madonna standout Jasen Lopez is high on the Seminoles.
“What excites me is just the culture they have over there at FSU,” Lopez said. “They also have a great coaching team; contact them very often.” Similarly, American Heritage four-star Brandon Bennett stated, “FSU is still very high on my recruitment board.”
Florida State is making its secondary a key focus, securing commitments from four-star cornerback Darryon Williams and safeties Tedarius Hughes and Darryl Bell. The Seminoles actively pursue elite prospects, including No. 5 cornerback Chauncey Kennon, South Carolina’s Samari Matthews, and Georgia standout Dorian Barney.
KEEP READING: Texas 5-Star QB Commit Dia Bell Stays Loyal to Longhorns Despite Outside Interest
Additionally, Winter Garden (Fla.) Windermere cornerback CJ Bronaugh has scheduled a visit for March 19, keeping FSU in contention for more top-tier defensive backs.
FSU continues to pursue Gainesville Buchholz’s Justin Williams and blue-chip prospect Calvin Russell. The Seminoles’ 2026 class holds seven verbal commitments, ranking No. 14 nationally, including four-star safeties Darryl Bell III and Tedarius Hughes.
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