Well, this stinks... Tallahassee native shuts down recruitment with an arch-rival

Florida State football has had so many successful moments with recruiting over the past couple of weeks. However, I recognize that recruiting is ever-changing and it involves teenagers making one of the most important decisions of their lifetime.

The Seminoles recently had commitments such as four-star wide receiver CJ Wiley, four-star tight end Chase Loftin, four-star defensive tackle Kevin Wynn, four-star defensive tackle Myron Charles, and four-star cornerback Gregory Thomas.

The program had been red-hot on the recruiting trail where fans see all of the successful pickups. However, on Monday afternoon, Florida State football's coaching staff finally got some bad news.

Four-star defensive end Jalen Wiggins from James Rickards High School in Tallahassee, Florida has been committed to the arch-rival Florida Gators since January 15, 2024. On Monday afternoon, he shut down his recruitment with the Gators.

Florida did not make a bowl game last season as they finished with a 5-7 record. Head football coach Billy Napier is considered to be on the hot seat. Entering 2024, the Gators have a difficult November stretch which consists of Georgia, Texas, LSU, Ole Miss, and Florida State.

There is a way that Florida could lose all five games in November. This could be another losing season as Napier could be on his way out. However, this is very discouraging for the Seminoles as their defensive end recruiting board is dwindling.

Florida State decided to back away from accepting the pledge of three-star defensive end Nicolas Clayton from Gainesville, Florida who committed to the Wisconsin Badgers. This reasoning is likely because they felt good with where they stood with targets such as Zion Grady and Jalen Wiggins.

However, Grady committed to the Ohio State Buckeyes and Wiggins has now shut his recruitment down with the Gators. The Seminoles desperately need to expand their recruiting board at the position as four-star Javion Hilson is the only defensive end prospect committed to the recruiting class.

Overall, there is still a chance for the Florida State Seminoles to get involved later on down the road before the December Early Signing Period. However, it seems hopeless considering that the Seminoles got the last official visit, has visited multiple times, and can walk to Florida State's campus if he wants to.