3 UCF commits that could make their way to FSU after Malzahn's hiring

Three UCF commits could flip to Florida State.

Nov 23, 2024; Morgantown, West Virginia, USA; UCF Knights head coach Gus Malzahn yells at quarterback Dylan Rizk (10) during the first quarter against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-Imagn Images
Nov 23, 2024; Morgantown, West Virginia, USA; UCF Knights head coach Gus Malzahn yells at quarterback Dylan Rizk (10) during the first quarter against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-Imagn Images | Ben Queen-Imagn Images
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FOUR-STAR S TONY WILLIAMS

Florida State currently has two defensive back commitments in its 2025 recruiting cycle with four-star Gregory "Zae" Thomas and three-star Max Redmon.

It isn't a guarantee that defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain Sr. will be in Tallahassee for the 2025 season, especially if he takes the head football coaching position at his alma mater, Southern Miss.

This is a weird spot that the Seminoles are in after the 2-10 season. However, players such as Azareye'h Thomas, Fentrell Cypress II, Kevin Knowles II, and others could navigate to the transfer portal, NFL, or graduation.

It is a bit worrisome that four-star Gregory Thomas did not attend Florida State's contest versus Florida. Plus, four-star running back Byron Louis is a close friend and his high school teammate (he flipped his commitment to Florida). The talented defender is hearing a ton from Clemson. The Tigers are not stopping their pursuit of him.

Four-star safety Tony Williams would be someone to watch for. Williams officially visited over the summer, but nothing else came from the visit as he remained committed to the Knights. This could be a chance for him to avoid a massive change with a new head football coach and his staff.

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