FSU basketball coach believes the 2026 signing class is a game changer

When FSU legendary coach Leonard Hamilton announced he’d be leaving after the 2024-25 season, it wasn’t clear what direction FSU would go for its next head coach. There were a few options with ties to the program, but FSU alum Luke Loucks separated himself from that group to become the hire.

Loucks had never coached in college, but had been an assistant in the NBA for several years after his playing days finished overseas. There’s no question he could coach, but the biggest question was whether he could recruit in today’s landscape. After all, FSU is a football school, and the world of NIL has changed everything, not to mention the ACC doesn’t have the prestige it once did as a league.

However, Loucks came in hot in his first recruiting cycle, finishing with the No. 5 class nationally, signing three blue-chip players who look like excellent fits for his style of play. There’s one uncommitted blue-chip point guard who’ll potentially sign in a few weeks because he also aims to play football at FSU (if he sticks).

Loucks spoke on the players who signed via his social media account:

Loucks gets it. He’s thanking his staff for their tireless work, but also continuing to share his vision for the future. The last part of that statement conveys several things to the fans. Loucks wants more fan participation at the home games. That’s something he’s already mentioned early in the home slate when they were playing inferior competition. The other part is indirectly letting people know they will need more resources if the plan is to continue signing top talent.

We saw FSU ascend to elite status for a short stint with Leonard Hamilton a few years ago. The Tuck Center was one of the toughest places to play in the nation. Loucks wants that environment to return, and it’ll happen if they keep playing well and bringing in talent. The game against Florida earlier this week may have been foreshadowing for what’s to come.