FSU football: 2025 4-star LB Elijah Melendez lists FSU in top schools

FSU head football coach Mike Norvell has already caught the attention of several teams for their recruiting efforts in the 2024 cycle. The Seminoles are currently ranked No. 6 in the 247Sports Composite rankings.

However, the coaching staff looks to start generating momentum for the 2025 recruiting cycle.

While Florida State only have two commitments in three-star QB Tramell Jones Jr. from Mandarin High School in Jacksonville (FL) and three-star WR DL Hardison from Eau Gallie High School in Melbourne (FL), it seems as the Seminoles are about to start heating up on the recruiting trail.

On Friday afternoon, Class of 2025, four-star LB target Elijah Melendez from Osceola High School in Kissimmee, Florida, included Florida State in his top twelve schools list.

Melendez has a loaded list of highly-touted schools pursuing him along with the Seminoles, which includes Georgia, Miami, USC, UCF, Michigan, Tennessee, Kentucky, Auburn, Arkansas, Alabama, and Ohio State.

The talented linebacker prospect received an offer on August 19th. I would expect Melendez to take an unofficial visit at some point during the season. Most prospects have pinpointed the home matchup against the arch-rival Miami Hurricanes on Saturday, November 11th, as the “must-watch” game.

Linebackers coach Randy Shannon has offered a total of 18 prospects at the position in the 2025 recruiting cycle. As it stands, the Seminoles seemingly feel as though they stand in a good position for three of those: Four-star Jadon Perlotte (UGA commit), four-star Gavin Nix, and four-star Elijah Barnes.

FSU will have to replace the likes of redshirt seniors Tatum Bethune and Kalen DeLoach after this season. With that said, they will have to find production to soften the blow of their departures.

This could be a great recruiting tool for highly-touted 2025 prospects where they can see the opportunity to play early and often in Tallahassee.