One of the top 2026 quarterbacks is back on the market, as Brady Smigiel de-committed from the Florida State Seminoles on Sunday, with the Washington Huskies, UCLA Bruins and champion Ohio State Buckeyes showing interest in him, amongst others.
With the Seminoles seemingly out of the picture, what’s next for Smigiel, and for Florida State?
Smigiel Decommits, Father Cites Seminoles Coaching Changes
There’s no secret as to why Smigiel is seeking other options.
His father, Joe, told Tomahawk Nation last week that with changes Florida State had been making, “he just wants to make sure that he’s in the right place, and he wanted to make sure that he did that by checking out some other places.”
Not only has he backed off of his pledge, but Smigiel is also focused on other schools, with the South Carolina Gamecocks, Michigan Wolverines, and Michigan State Spartans rounding out a top six with the Bruins, Buckeyes, and Huskies.
Now, Florida State will need to look elsewhere on the recruiting trail.
HC Mike Norvell Has Been Busy
Florida State head coach Mike Norvell announced the firings of receivers coach Ron Dugans, offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Alex Atkins and defensive coordinator Adam Fuller in November 2024.
Norvell has added six more to his staff, and as of December 13, defensive ends coach John Papuchis will now coach FSU’s linebackers while retaining his title as special teams coordinator.
This is in addition to Gus Malzahn joining the team as offensive coordinator, and Tony White as defensive coordinator. Expected offensive line coach Herb Hand’s appointment still has to be announced, while safeties coach Evan Cooper, wide receivers coach Tim Harris Jr. and defensive line coach Terrance Knighton retained their jobs. Longtime defensive tackle coach Odell Haggins retained his associate head coach title despite transitioning to an off-field role.
What Will the Seminoles Do Now?
Florida wasted no time moving on at the quarterback position, offering blue-chip quarterbacks Keisean Henderson (current Houston commit), Landon Duckworth, and Bowe Bentley the chance to play for the Seminoles.
Henderson is a Houston Cougars commit and has been since 2024. The Georgia Bulldogs, Colorado Buffaloes, LSU Tigers, Michigan Wolverines, Penn State Nittany Lions and Texas Longhorns are all courting him with offers. He is the No. 1 athlete in the 2026 class.
Duckworth is ranked as the No. 5 quarterback in our 2026 quarterback rankings and is also in high demand as the Auburn Tigers, UCF Knights, Oregon Ducks, Ole Miss Rebels, and Kentucky Wildcats are looking at recruiting him.
Bowe Bentley is the class’ No. 18 quarterback. He has had offers from the Oklahoma Sooners, Missouri Tigers, Wisconsin Badgers, Boston College Eagles and Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.
KEEP READING: Top 2026 QB Recruits
Lineman Chastan Brown joined the Seminoles’ 2025 class. He is a four-star offensive lineman, and Florida has also seen commitment from 4-star athlete Darryon Williams, 4-star Efrem White, 4-star safety Darryl Bell, 3-star Safety Tedarius Hughes, and 3-star offensive tackle Xavier Payne.
Florida State was 2-10 this past season, and is trying to dig itself out of the hole. Losing Smigiel hurts, but it looks like Norvell and his staff have a plan to recover.
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