Florida State football is currently sitting as the 25th-best recruiting class in the 2026 cycle, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. The Seminoles have nine pledges to the fold and want to add more to make the class memorable.
The coaching staff will host several highly-touted prospects this summer for official visits. The program wants to continue its hot streak on the recruiting trail to finish the 2025 cycle. However, there have been recruiting misses that the fan base has doubts about their ability to finish strong in 2026.
I know that fans are hesitant about the head football coach, Mike Norvell's, ability to recruit at a high level. However, he has a chance to redeem himself and secure a top-ten recruiting class for the first time during his tenure with the Seminoles.
SECURE THE QUARTERBACK
The quarterback position is everything with high school recruiting. They had four-star Brady Smigiel committed to the fold, but he backed off his pledge and is now at Michigan. I know that it is disappointing that five-star target Keisean Henderson will stay committed to Houston, but the Seminoles are all hands on deck with four-star target Jaden O'Neal (Oklahoma commit).
EMPHASIZE THE TRENCHES
There have been too many times when the trenches have not been prioritized. This has caused a lack of development and depth for the offensive and defensive lines. Assistant coach Herb Hand has been productive on the trail with targets such as Johnnie Jones, Samuel Roseborough, Kamari Blair, Courtlin and Courtney Heard, Aaron Thomas, and Tyler Chukuyem.
I know that some individuals have been critical of assistant coach Terrrance Knighton's recruiting, but he still has targets such as Trenton Henderson, Kendall Guervil, Tristian Givens, Jamarion Matthews, Chris Addison, Keysaun Eleazer, Kamron Wilson, Katrell Webb, and Cameron Brickle.
EXPAND OPTIONS ON THE RECRUITING TARGET BOARD
There are many times when the coaching staff puts their eggs all in one basket, and then if they strike out, they immediately go to the transfer portal. I believe that if the Seminoles want a top-ten recruiting class, they need to expand their options and give themselves clarity on what they want in the class and have a secure plan in place.
THOUGHTS
I truly think that this could be the year that they get a top-ten recruiting class if head football coach Mike Norvell emphasizes these three aspects. I hope that it isn't wishful thinking, but there is still a long way away from the December Early Signing Period.