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Football Recruiting Setting FSU's 2026 recruiting board: Quarterbacks

Junior Days on campus and January in-school/in-home visits have been completed and Florida State's 2026 recruiting class is officially on the clock.

Over the next few weeks, the Osceola staff will be setting up a virtual board, detailing prospects that are either strongly considering Florida State, have established mutual interest, or could be circled back around on later on in the year if need be. We will be going position by position over the next few weeks to set the board before the quiet period begins at the beginning of March. Today's edition of the series will be covering quarterbacks.

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Softball FSU outfielder Kennedy Harp named ACC player of the week

FSU sports information:

Florida State softball sophomore outfielder Kennedy Harp was named the ACC Player of the Week and was one of four players to be named a Star of the Week by Softball America on Tuesday. This is the first time Harp has been named the ACC Player of the Week and joins Jaysoni Beachum as the only Seminoles to win ACC Player of the Week since the start of the 2024 season.

Harp had the best week of her young career this past week at the Puerto Vallarta College Challenge. In five games, Harp hit .667 (10-for-15) with 10 RBI, three triples, two doubles and one home run for the Seminoles. Harp had three consecutive games with a triple against Louisiana Tech and No. 4 Oklahoma State. Harp performed in the clutch for the Noles in their 8-0 win against No. 4 Oklahoma State. With the bases loaded and two outs in a 0-0 game, Harp delivered with a bases clearing triple to give the Noles all the momentum and 3-0 lead. Harp's three triples were tied for the most in the country. In just five games, Harp is already nearing her totals for hits and RBI from all of 2024 season as she had 21 hits and 19 RBI in 2024.

The Seminoles will be back in action this week at the Shriners Children's Clearwater Invitational. FSU will play No. 16 Missouri on Thursday, Ohio State on Friday, Wichita State on Saturday and UCF on Sunday.

Basketball Pregame notes: FSU at Wake on Wednesday (7 p.m. on ESPNU)

Florida State (14-9, 5-7 ACC) returns after a bye to play at Wake Forest (18-6, 10-3) on Wednesday at 7 on ESPNU.

This would be a big road win if the Seminoles could pull off the upset. Wake is 68th in KenPom and among Joe Lunardi's last four teams in on Tuesday's projected bracket. FSU's biggest home win is over Pitt, now 42nd in KenPom.

On Monday's ACC coaches' zoom, I asked Leonard Hamilton if he thought last week's announcement about his resignation at season's end could put added pressure on the players to "win one for coach," in my words.

"It has not been an issue that I can see at this particular moment, but I think I'm close enough and I got enough intuition that if it becomes an issue, I'll speak to it," Hamilton said. "Right now. I think we’re in a pretty good place, wanting to finish the season strong. So I haven’t detected that I got any issues now. But I’ll probably start being a little more engaged in that area, just to make sure we don't have anything negative resulting from the situation."

Wake has won three straight, including a West Coast sweep of Stanford and Cal. The Demon Deacons are a bad 3-point shooting team at 29 percent (349th in DI) but they are very efficient inside the arc, shooting 54.5 percent (69th in DI).

Cameron Hildreth (6-4, 195) has scored in the 20s in those three wins for Wake. Hunter Sallis (6-5, 185) had 20 points and 19 points in the wins over Cal and Stanford, respectively.

Efton Reid is a 7-foot, 250-pound F/C. Familiar name as he is someone FSU tried to land coming out of high school. He had 19 points in the win over Cal.

The Seminoles will have Taylor Bol Bowen back after he missed a few games with a concussion. Jerry Deng sounds questionable with an ankle injury.

Malique Ewin earned a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds in Florida State’s victory over Notre Dame on Feb. 4 – his team-leading eighth of the season and the eighth of his career. The last person with eight or more double-doubles in a single season was Matthew Cleveland who earned 11 double-doubles during the 2022-23 season. The single-season school record for double-doubles is 24 (in 26 games) by Dave Cowens during the 1968-69 season.

Jamir Watkins enters Wednesday’s game having scored 1,457 career points and needs 43 points to reach the 1,500-point career point plateau. The second-year Seminole has also scored 935 points in his 56-game Florida State career and needs 65 points to reach 1,000 points as a Seminole. That would be an impressive achievement as he's in year 2 in Tallahassee. Watkins is ranked fourth in the ACC in scoring (all games, 18.4 ppg).

FSU's next home game will be Saturday against red-hot Clemson (21-5), which is now ranked No. 23 and is coming off wins over Duke and UNC.

Sunday > Mean Monday Morning QB....

The football season came to an end last night after the Eagles pounding KC. What is funny it seemed like every single expert predicted the Chiefs to win another Super Bowl. KC had Mahommes and that was going to be good enough to win it all. Who can blame them since KC was going for a three peat. I watched KC many times this year and I just never saw an elite team. They had a LG (Tuney) playing LT. Their interior OL is not very good. I believe KC was one of the worst teams covering spreads being favored as much as they were. The reality is the better team won.


That brings me to the Eagles. I am a Cowboys fan. I HATED the Eagles when Buddy Ryan was the coach. I pretty much hated the Eagles my entire life. You grow up a Cowboys fan and the Eagles, Redskins (now Commanders) and the Giants in that order, you hate them. For those who don't understand the history of the Eagles and Cowboys, Buddy Ryan put bounties out on Cowboys players. One Eagles defender had a towel with Cowboys jersey numbers on it to who they need to take out. They tried to hurt Troy Aikman every time they played the Eagles. It got so bad that the Eagles took Dallas kicker out. TOOK HIM OUT and ended his game. So the hate ran deep. I don't like to use the word HATE...But there was nothing as a Cowboy fan we would find redeeming about Philly. Not their fans, not their players, not their head coach. Now, I caught myself cheering for them last night. Their GM Howie Roseman is the best or one of the best in the business. He has now won Super Bowls with two different coaches and two different teams. He drafted and paid Carson Wentz and ton of money. He realized it was a mistake and drafted Jalen Hurts. He has made all the right moves.

Jalen Hurts -WOW. I remember watching him at Bama and he got benched for Tua in the National Title Game. Here is a guy who was recruited to Bama, had a ton of success and in the biggest game of his career got benched. The following year Tua is handed the starting job. What did Hurts do? He did not leave Alabama. No he stayed and when Tua went down it was Hurts who came in and won a big game. He is not the biggest QB. He does not have the best arm. He is a B+ QB in a league where the A-listers get most of the big wins and the most attention. Hurts did not play great early on. He had the pick which was not a good throw. He made some other decisions early on where you were like -WTF. As the game went on the settled in and played within the Eagles system. I was a fan of Jalen Hurts after how he handled himself at Bama. I am a bigger fan of his now. Not sure how many super bowls Hurts wins. I am not sure if he will ever be considered one of the best quarterbacks in Pro Football. That being said he seems like a great guy and someone that would be hard to root against.

Josh Sweat- I remember when FSU recruiting Josh. I was on campus inside the coaches office and Sweat was there with his family. Super nice family. He was so damn impressive physically. He looked like Clowney just a little shorter. Kid had super long arms and his build was that of a super star. I was thinking that this kid is going to be a star at FSU. He had a terrible injury the following season and FSU fans seem to only get a glimpse of his immense talent. Sweat should have been an all-time great at FSU. He never got that shot. He is now very good in the NFL and should get a big contract real soon. I am glad that he finally has reached his potential. FSU has put some serious talent at DE in the NFL. Sweat, Walker, Verse, Johnson....They have a story to sell.

Nick Siriana - Don't know where he will go down as a HC. He has now been to two Super Bowls and won one of them. What is crazy is before the season started there was talk of him being fired. Yeah. There was talk of him being fired as the HC of the Eagles. He now has a Title.

SCHEME - I wanted to bring this up because so many fans always talk on these message boards about SCHEME...Scheme this, scheme that....Last night the Eagles ran a straight 4 man front and did not blitz a single time. They were able to do so because their DL is in the best in pro football. These guys just flat out dominated in the playoffs and last night had one of the best performances ever for a defensive line. Scheme does not matter when you have elite players. It is when you don't have them you need to scheme things up. Sometimes you can even have a great scheme (KC) and the guys opposite you (Eagles) just have better players. Scheme last night just did not matter.

Saquon Barkley - I am so glad he won last night. He has been a great pro, never really said much on how he was treated by the Giants and wen to Philly and got a ring. By the way he also had one of the best seasons ever for a running back. He is now a first ballot hall of famer. I bring up Barkley because the first time I watched him was at Rutgers Summer Camp. Schiano landed his commitment after he put on an impressive performance. My buddy who covered Rutgers asked me what I thought, I said that Barkley kid is one of the best players here. He goes Rutgers right now is one of the only offers he has. He was committed till a week before NSD. Penn State had lost their top target. They bring him in the final weekend before NSD and Franklin pulls him to Penn State. He was a late take by Penn State and now is one of the best backs ever in pro football. I will say this about Schiano, he always had an eye for talent. I don't know many coaches who found more guys from Ray Rice to Barkely who were not heavily recruited that ended up All-Pro players in the NFL.


NFL Draft/HS Recruiting vs. NFL Free Agency /Portal Recruiting

Eagles

Draft

QB-Jalen Hurts (Round 2) (2020) Alabama
RB-Kenneth Gainwell (Round 5) 2021 (Memphis)
WR-Devonta Smith (Round 1) (2021) Alabama
TE-Dallas Goedert (Round 2) (2018) South Dakota
OL-Tyler Steen (Round 3) (2023) Alabama
OL-Cam Jurgens (Round 2) (2022) Nebraska
OL-Landon Dickerson (Round 2) (2021) Alabama
OL-Jordan Mailata (Round 7) (2018)
OL-Lane JOhnson (Round 1) (2013) Oklahoma
DL-Jalen Carter -(Round 1) (2023) Georgia
DL-Moro Ojomo (Round 7) (2023) Texas
DL-Milton Williams (Round 3) (2022) Louisiana Tech
DL-Josh Sweat (Round 4) (2018) FSU
DL-Jordan Davis (Round 1) (2022) Georgia
LB-Nolan Smith (Round 1) (2023) Georgia
DB-Cooper DeJean (Round 2) (2024) Iowa
DB-Quinyon Mitchell (Round 1) (2024) Toledo

Free Agency / Trade
RB-Saquon Barkely (From Giants)
LB-Zack Baun
DB-CJ Gardner
DB-Darius Slay


Ohio State
QB-WIll Howard (Portal)
RB-Trevion Henderson (Recruit)
RB-Quinshon Judkins (Portal)
WR-Carnell Tate (Recruit)
WR-Jeremiah Smith (Recruit)
WR-Emeka Egbuka (Recruit)
TE-Gee Scott (Recruit)
OL-Luke Montgomery (Recruit)
OL-Donovan Jackson (Recruit)
OL-Seth McGlaughlin (Recruit)
OL-Carson Hinzman (Recruit)
OL-Tegra Tshabola (Recruit)

DL-Jack Sawyer (Recruit)
DL-JT Tuimoloau (Recruit)
DL-Eddrick Houtson (Recruit)
DL-Tyleik Williams (Recruit)
LB-Cody Simon (Recruit)
LB-Sonny Styles (Recruit)
DB-Caleb Downs (Portal )
DB-Denzel Burke (Recruit)
DB-Davinson Igbinosun (Portal)
DB-Lathan Ransom (Recruit)
DB-Jordan Hancock (Recruit)

When you look at Ohio State and Philadelphia Eagles they built their teams through the draft and high school recruiting. Out of 22 starters for Ohio State 20 were players they recruited and developed through the high school ranks. So for all the money they spent it was done through HS players. Yes they added Judkins, Downs and Howard through the portal but they were more like icing on the cake. The Eagles built their team through the draft. Yes they brought in some players from other teams but they also were home grown. While the portal can fix problems, I still believe that HS recruiting is the way to consistently win ball games. We will see but the proof is still in the pudding.


Now FSU - lend me a HAND....Herb Hand. I have never met him. When FSU fired Atkins and his name popped up, I went and researched his name. I came away very impressed with his resume. Since he has come over to FSU, I have been even more impressed. He has changed the OL on the team and recruiting board for 2026 is quite impressive. FSU has guys that look like they belong. The fact that guys like Ben Mebenga are not only interested but will be coming back is impressive. He is one of the top offensive lineman in Georgia. I don't want to get ahead of myself but with Hand in charge of the OL, I am not concerned about that position anymore. I think FSU is in good shape.

Spring Football - To think the NFL just finished and we are just a few weeks away from college football starting back up is crazy. I remember the season would end and it would seem like forever for the college season to come back. Now with the portal, the HS recruiting and spring football there is no off-season anymore.

What I am looking for.....Keep TC healthy. Make sure Brock Glenn gets a ton of reps because I feel we are going to see him play next year. Reports from practice that the OL can actually move defenders off the ball and the run game is back. A couple of the receivers step up and you here names of who has stepped out and taken the lead. Want to hear who the pass rusher is on this team...Right now there does not seem to be one. The linebackers are getting better. Want to hear Lester name this spring. Guys like Cai Bates are taking the next step. This spring is huge for this program.

Football Recruiting Rivals analyst makes early prediction with four-star DE Katrell Webb to FSU

Some thoughts from this weekend's camp in Atlanta on four-star DE Katrell Webb. More from Rivals analyst John Garcia:

The Under Armour All-America Game camp tour kicked off in the state of Georgia and there was considerable talent on hand. Rivals connected with several prospects, parents and coaches surrounding the event and there are several programs trending or set to trend for many of the best on hand, so why not make some early calls on their college destination?

Conference Realignment, Playoff "Insider" Updates

This is from The Big Mountain Podcast today. These guys have solid insiders inside the B1G. I've listened for months and they are as solid as it gets as far as getting good intel. Here's what they're saying:

  • ESPN is driving ACC/SEC realignment disussions.
  • The SEC wants UNC badly. They're willing to take NC State due to the politics.
  • The Belichick factor could be a catalyst to speed things up. See the Deion factor for bigger ratings.
  • Then, the next two the SEC wants is FSU and Clemson.
  • It could be ESPN pushes UNC and NC State at first, with FSU & Clemson in the wings.
  • We are an ESPN property so ESPN will drive where we go.
  • The ACC has unnamed approved teams lined up to take the 2 or 4 slots the ACC will be losing.
  • The B1G wants ND, FSU and Miami. They want to be in Florida badly, but are having to wait to take teams SEC does not take due to ESPN contracts.
  • The B1G and the SEC are working closely with each other in negotiations, more like partners than rivals.
  • Miami, GT and Virginia are the wild cards.
  • The ACC will survive. Replacements are USF, Memphis & Tulane, then reaching, could be ECU, App State and JMU.
  • They want both to have same number of teams and standardize schedules likely 8 with playing 2 crossovers. Labor Day weekend is a target weekend for a crossover.
  • Both conferences want to start one week earlier. So basically Week 0 will become Week 1.
  • B1G and SEC will be demanding a minimum of 4 slots each in the playoffs. Not next year as it's too soon but the year after.
  • The playoffs may expand from 12 to 14 (or 16), with the SEC and B1G dictating if they do and to how many.
  • The driver is ratings. Both networks who are both driving this want big games for inventory.

Personally speaking, this is great news. Both conferences want FSU, and ratings are a main driver, all good for us. The line between the haves and have nots will be greater than ever and its great to know progress is being made and we're in great shape to land a spot at one of the two big boy and big money tables.

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Football Mike Norvell thinks leaders are emerging among FSU's transfers, returners

While there were myriad problems for Florida State on the field that fans and media could see on game days, there are intangibles like leadership and accountability that bind players to a team.

Those qualities were missing in 2024. As critical as it was for the FSU staff to flip the roster, it was about recruiting newcomers (transfers and freshmen) who could be leaders, too.

Coach Mike Norvell discussed a variety of names when asked about leadership during his spring booster tour stop in Orlando on Saturday, beginning with a few transfers before mentioning some returning players. Norvell said he’s happy with how the Seminoles have meshed in the weight room, Tour of Duty workouts as well as off the field.

He began by saying Boston College transfer quarterback Tommy Castellanos is “great” and Wake Forest transfer center Luke Petitbon is “also standing out” before broadly stating his expectation for the mindset of players.

“Those guys are coming into a program and, yes, we know that there's limited time that they're going to be a part of Florida State,” Norvell said. “It's going to be a year. But you know what? If it's everything that you have, right, in this team, well, you only get one year. I don't care if you're a freshman, this is the only 2025 football team you're going to get. What do you want to give for this team?

"And so as long as we get that type of investment, you'll see those leaders emerge. But it's great. I've been really pleased.”

The Big 3 - Recruiting Class Report Card

The first Wednesday in Feb used to be like Christmas for recruiting fans. Every weekend before NSD you would hear all the rumors. I can go back to when David Warren was in high school and I would call in Bill Buchalter 800 number to find out where his recruitment stood. Antoine Smith pulled the shocker of all shockers on NSD and chose FSU. Now with the early NSD the first Wednesday in Feb is just another day. With that being said FSU has been busy over the past month filling out their roster. From Portal additions to some players who fell through the cracks, FSU has 39 newcomers on their roster come this fall. That is close to half the roster. I will break down FSU class along with Miami and UF. All three programs are trying to get back to not only winning state championships but national championships. Where does each program sit after NSD has come and gone?


FSU

QB

Kevin Sperry (3) (Guyer HS-Denton, TX) 6'1-200
Thomas Castellano - TRANSFER PORTAL-Boston College - 5'9-200

Grade C - Honestly the entire class comes down to one player Thomas Castellanos. If FSU hits on TC and he can get FSU back to 8-9 wins and possibly in contention for the ACC crown then he is worth the take. TC is going to have to stay healthy. That is priority number one. TC also needs to play like he did early in his career at BC. Do that and FSU will have a turnaround season. While the rest of the recruiting class is important, TC is the single most important recruit this cycle.

RB
Ousmane Kromah (4) (Lee County HS-Leesburg, GA) 6'0-210

Grade A- Kromah is a difference maker. He is the top back FSU has signed since Cam Akers and Dalvin Cook. Kromah is the one freshman we feel could make an impact YEAR 1. FSU is going to run the ball and they need the backs who are on the current roster along with Kromah to bring back the rushing attack in 2025.

WR
Jayvan Boggs (3) (Cocoa HS-Cocoa, FL) 6'1-200
Jordan Scott (3) (Southwest MS CC-Summitt, MS) 6'7-220
Teriq Mallory (3) (Chesire Academy-Chesire, CT) 6'5-190
Squirrel White - TRANSFER PORTAL - Tennessee 5'10-170
Duce Robinson -TRANSFER PORTAL-USC - 6'6-220

Grade A-Landing Robinson was huge. He is better than Johnny Wilson when he came to FSU. Duce was very good for USC. He is a miss-match for opposing defenses. Duce should be an impact player. White should give FSU some deep speed. He is small but you can’t hit, what you can't catch. I don't expect any of the freshman to do much. It will be interesting to see what Jordan Scott can do.

TE
Chase Loftin (3) (Millard South-Omaha, NE) 6'6-215
Tae-shuan Gelsey (3) (Riverside HS-Jacksonville, FL) 6'4-215
Markeston Douglas-TRANSFER PORTAL - ASU-6'5-280
Randy Pittman - TRANSFER PORTAL-UCF-6'2-225

Grade B- Big fan of Loftin. Gelsey is a wide receiver who will end up moving to TE. Douglas can block. Pittman can bring a versatile TE to the offense. The TE room will be its best since MN has taken over.

OL
Mario Nash (4) (Kemper County-Dekalb, MS) 6'4-290
Chasten Brown (4) (Northside HS-Warner Robins, GA) 6'7-280
Sean Poret (3) (Riverwood HS-Atlanta, GA) 6'5-270
Chavez Thompson (3) (Cocoa HS-Cocoa, FL) 6'1-310
Luke Petlbon-TRANSFER PORTAL-Wake-6'3-290
Micah Pettus-TRANSFER PORTAL-Ole Miss-6'7-350
Adrian Medley-TRANSFER PORTAL-UCF-6'5-300
Gunnar Hansen-TRANSFER PORTAL-Vandy-6'5-330

Grade B- The portal takes should make the OL much improved. There are no ELITE prospects in this group but the floor has been raised. It is a numbers game and bringing in 8 new players should net you 2-3 starters in year one. If FSU can get production from the portal players the offense will not look anything like it did in 2024.

DE
Lajesse Harrold (4) (Gaither HS-Tampa, FL) 6'5-215
Tyon Lee (3) (Pace HS-Milton, FL) 6'4-250
Darryl Desir-(3) (Miami Norland-Miami, FL) 6'5-240
James Williams- TRANSFER PORTAL-Nebraska-6'6-250
Deamontae Diggs-TRANSFER PORTAL-Coastal Carolina-6'5-260
Deante McCray-TRANSFER PORTAL-WKU-6'4-290

Grade B- NUMBERS, NUMBERS, NUMBERS - FSU has a major hole at DE. With Pat Peyton gone there is no known pass rusher on the team. FSU needs someone from this group to step up. Lee has the college ready body. Playing in Pensacola and going to the ACC is a major jump in competition. Williams the Nebraska DE has to be the GUY.

DT
Kevin Wynn (4) (Greene County HS[Greensboro, GA) 6'2-340
Mandrell Desir (3) (Miami Norland-Miami, FL) 6'3-250
Tyeland Coleman (3) (Northwest MS-CC-Senatobia, MS) 6'4-290
Jayson Jenkins-TRANSFER PORTAL - Tennessee-6'6-290

Grade B- If not for Darrell Jackson coming back this group would be listed as a C. Jackson coming back is like landing a big time HS recruit. If he can put it all together, Jackson could be an All-ACC type player with an outside shot at being an All-American. Jenkins gives FSU a big body inside. Wynn should play next year.

LB
Ethan Pritchard (3) (Seminole HS-Sanford, FL) 6'2-200
Elijah Herring - TRANSFER PORTAL - Memphis- 6'2-230
Caleb Lavalle -TRANSFER PORTAL - UNC - 6'2-230
Stefon Thompson -TRANSFER PORTAL-Nebraska -6'1-240

Grade C+ -Considering FSU did not do well in HS recruiting this position was saved by the portal. I like the little I have seen out of Lavalle. Pritchard is a year away from contributing. Herring should be a starter.


DB
Shamar Arnoux (3) (Carrollton HS-Carrollton, GA) 6'2-175
Max Redmon (3) (Cardinal Newman, West Palm, FL) 6'2-190
Gregory Thomas (4) (American Heritage-Plantation, FL) 6'2-190
Antonio Cromatie (3) (Carrollton HS-Carrollton, GA) 5'11-170

Grade B- -Landing Arnoux saved the DB class. Redmon and Thomas are two good players but both may end up at the same position. I like this group as it continue to keep the secondary stocked.

Ath.

K/P
Bruno Reus (3) Venice HS-Venice, FL) 6'0-190


Final Thoughts: Considering where FSU was at the end of the season and how they closed both in HS and Portal recruiting this team should be improved in 2025. While we all have doubts after a 2-10 campaign there is enough talent on the roster along with what they brought in to turn this thing around.

Miami

QB

Luke Nickel-(4) Milton HS-Alpharetta-GA-6'2-210
Carsen Beck -TRANSFER PORTAL-UGA-6'5-225

Grade A- Landing Beck was huge. Now Miami can RS Nickel and have Emory Williams be their backup. Beck had a down year in 2024 but don't let that fool you. He put up monster numbers in 2023. He is a very good QB who will have an elite OL and very good run game. Nickel is someone that Mike Norvell wanted badly. FSU made a run at him but Luke stuck to Miami. He is the future of Miami's program.

RB
Girard Pringle - (4) 5'10-190-Armwood-Seffner, FL-5'10-190

Grade B- Miami did not need to sign a ton of running backs. They return two of the very best in the ACC next year (Fletcher/Lyles). Pringle is more like a Clinton Portis type back. He has very good speed and quickness. He will be a depth piece in 2025.

WR
Joshua Moore- (4) West Broward-Pembroke Pines, FL-6'4-210
Malachi Toney (3) American Heritage-Plantation, FL -5'11-180
Daylyn Upshaw (3) Central HS-Phenix City, AL-5'11-180
CJ Daniels -TRANSFER PORTAL-LSU-6'2-210

Grade B+ Toney should be ranked higher than a 3*. He dominated in the playoffs and was a big reason why AH won a state title. Moore was unstoppable anytime West Broward threw him the ball. He was very impressive against Cardinal Gibbons last year. He has both the size and speed you want in a receiver. Daniels is a nice pick up and should provide some experience out of the portal.

TE
Brock Schott-(4) Leo HS-Leo, IN-6'4-220
Luka Gilbert-(4) Lakota West-West Chester-OH-6'7-230
Jack Nickel-TRANSFER PORTAL-UAB-6'4-260
Alex Bauman-TRANSFER PORTAL-Tulane-6'5-245

Grade A-Big fan of Schott. Gilbert is a project but the physical tools are there. Landing Bauman from Tulane gives them a legit option to throw the ball to. Miami has one of the best incoming group of TE in the country.

OL
Seuseu Aiofaitull-(4) Bishop Gorman-Las Vegas, NV-6'3-280
Max Buchanan (3) Seminole HS-Sanford, FL 6'4-275
Jaden Wilkerson (3) Edgewater HS-Orlando, FL-6'6-330
Demarcus Campbell (3) Orlando Christian-Orlando, FL-6'6-300
James Brockermeyer-TRANSFER PORTAL-6'3-290

Grade A- Miami probably landed the top Center in the portal and followed it up with potential two of the top centers in HS. With an already stacked offensive line the only question mark was center. You win in the trenches and once again Miami signed a very good OL class.

DE
Hayden Lowe-(5) Oaks Christian-Westlake, CA-6'5-250
Herbert Scroggins-(4) Benedictine Mil School-Savannah, GA-6'2-240

Grade A- Miami needed a pass rusher and got one in Lowe. It will be interesting to see if he can make an impact in year one. Scroggins was much underrated. Miami has enough guys at DE. Now they need one of these guys to develop into a big time pass rusher.

DT
Donta Simpson-(3) Chaminade Madonna-Hollywood, FL 6'3-280
Mykah Newton (3) Newberry HS-Newberry, FL -6'2-260
David Blay-TRANSFER PORTAL-Louisiana Tech-6'4-300

Grade C+ -Blay saves this class. He was a must get for their DT class. If not for him, Miami probably has a D- type DT class. Blay is a space eater and was very productive at Louisiana Tech.

LB
Kellen Wiley-(4) Armwood-Seffner, FL-6'4-225
Ezekiel Marcelin-(3) Miami Central-Miami, FL-5'11-210

Grade B-Wiley is a big, long, athletic prospect. He is someone that I felt FSU should make a run at. It would not shock me to see him move to DE down the road. Marcelin is not the biggest linebacker but his instincts are very good. He is always around the football. Can he be this team’s version of Jonathan Vilma?

DB
Bryce Fitzgerald (4) 6'1-175 Columbus HS-Miami-FL -6'1-175
Amari Wallace (4) 5'10-175-Miami Central, Miami, FL 5'10-175
Jaboree Antoine (4) 6'1-170 -Westgate-New Iberia, LA-6'1-170
Chris Ewald (4) 6'0-170-Chamiande-Hollywood, FL 6'1-170
Xavier Lucas-TRANSFER PORTAL-Wisconsin-S-6'2-200
Ethan O'Connor-TRANSFER PORTAL-Washington State-6'1-175
Emmauel Karnley-TRANSFER PORTAL-Arizona-6'3-190
Charles Brantley-TRANSFER PORTAL-Michigan State-6'-0-170
Zechariah Poyser-TRANSFER PORTAL-Jacksonville State-6'2-200

Grade A++ - You could argue that Miami signed the best DB class in the country. They just missed out on Ben Hanks and DJ Pickett. Miami defensive backfield last year was trash. Probably the worst defensive backfield in the ACC. This year they are bringing in a ton of guys to fix the problem. They have added size, length, speed and quickness in the defensive backfield. This group will go from one of the worst to best next season.

Final Thoughts: Miami will most likely have a better roster in 2025 than last year. That is important but so is the health of Beck. If he can regain his confidence and play like he did in 2023, Miami should be tough to beat. Miami will have the best OL in the ACC. Their defense should be much improved. Beck is the key to their success. This team could go 7-5 to 11-2/10-3.



UF

QB

Tramell Jones (3) Jacksonville Mandarin-Jacksonville, FL-6'0-200
Harrison Bailey TRANSFER PORTAL - Louisville-6'5-330

Grade B- Not a big fan of Jones. He broke his ankle and was already limited mobility wise. He is a kid who lacks great size. With the addition of Harrison Bailey, I expect Jones to RS. Bailey is a big get because if Lagway gets injured, Bailey can actually perform well enough to win some games.

RB
Waltez Clark-(4) Tampa Plant-Tampa, FL -6'1-200
Chad Gasper -(3) Katy Jordan-Fulshear-TX-5'10-200
Byron Louis-(3) American Heritage-Plantation-5'11-200

Grade A- One thing Napier has done well is evaluate and develop running backs. Clark is an under the radar back. Louis performed at an elite level in the state finals. This group adds to a talented running back room. UF will be able to run the ball next season.

WR
Vernell Brown (4) Orlando Jones-Orlando, FL-5'11-170
Dallas Wilson-(4) Tampa Bay Tech-Tampa, FL-6'3-200
Naeshaun Montgomery (3) Miami Central-Miami, FL 6'1-170
Mulzz Tounkara-(3) Clear springs-League City, TX-6'3-200
J'Michael Sturdivant - TRANSFER PORTAL-UCLA-6'3-200

Grade A-Sturdivant will start for UF. He gives them a big bodied receiver. He was impressive the couple times I saw UCLA play. Go and watch the USC game. He made an impact in that game. Dallas Wilson is the crown jewel of this class. Brown may end up playing CB in college.


TE
Micah Jones-(3) Madison Central-Madison, MS-6'5-250
Cameron Kossman-Marquette SR-Chesterfield, MO-6'6-240

Grade B-Both guys bring size. They are raw but it would not surprise me if one of these two made an impact next season.

OL
Tavaris Dice-(4) Langston Hughes-Fairburn-GA-6'4-300
Jahari Medlock-Charles Drew-Riverdale, GA-6'6-280
Daniel Pierre Louis-(3) Seminole Ridge-Loxahatchee, FL - 6'4-290

Grade-C - At UF you can't sign an OL class like this. The one thing that is going to hold UF back is their OL. UF needed to hit the portal and they brought in no one. This could be the Achilles heel of the Gators football team.


DE
Jayden Woods-(4) Mill Valley-Shawnee-KS-6'3-240
Jalen Wiggins (4) Rickards-Tallahassee, FL 6'5-255
Kofl Asare TRANSFER PORTAL-UMASS-6'5-250

Grade B- Wiggins will probably kick inside to tackle. He is a big, athletic kid that fits more of interior lineman than a guy who plays on the outside. Woods and Asare will most likely be depth pieces this year.

DT
Stephon Shivers-(3) Brentwood Academy-Brentwood, TN-6'5-365
Jeremiah McCloud (3) Lee County-Leesburg -6'3-280
Joseph Mbatchou-(4) Grayson HS-Loganville-GA-6'5-275

Grade B- Shivers film is quite impressive. Guys his size should not move like that. Not sure the level of comp. He dominates the guys that are lined up against him. McCloud was a big time get for UF. It would not surprise me if he turned into an ALL-SEC type player down the road.

LB
Ty Jackson-(4) Seminole Ridge-Loxahatchee, FL-6'1-220
Myles Johnson (3) TR Miller-Brewton, AL - 6'1-220

Grade C-Jackson was rated high but was injured this past year. Johnson is a project. UF did not sign a very good linebacker class. They also lost Shemar James.


DB
Ben Hanks (4) Booker T. Washington-Miami, FL-6'1-170
Hylton Stubbs-(4) Mandarin HS-Jacksonville, FL-6'1-200
Lagona Hayward-(4) Toombs County-Lyons, GA-6'1-200
Onis Konanbanny-(4) Heatwood, Columbia, SC-6'1-180
Michael Caraway-TRANSFER PORTAL-Southern Miss-6'2-200

Grade A- Hanks is 1A or 1B in Florida. Watched him play three playoff games and he had to of picked off 5-6 passes and returned a couple for TD'S. If he keeps his head on straight, Hanks will play on Sundays. Onis was a good get late in the process. Stubbs is a safety but may convert into a linebacker.


K/P
Hayden Craig-(3) Bridgton Academy-Bridgton, ME-6'2-190
Evan Noel-St Stanisiaus-Bay Saint Louis-MS) 6'2-200
Tommy Doman - TRANSFER PORTAL-Michigan-6'4-220

Final Thoughts: This past season UF got off to a rocky start. They were on the verge of a total collapse until LSU and Ole Miss decided to play like the game did not matter. UF finished strong and now some have unrealistic expectations. Their schedule is brutal. This class is pretty good but it still lacks at some key positions.

Basketball Short injury updates on Taylor Bol Bowen, Jerry Deng

FSU (14-9, 5-7) had a bye this week and will play at Wake Forest (18-6, 10-3) on Wednesday at 7 p.m.

The Seminoles needed the break, considering the emotions of Leonard Hamilton's announcement last Monday as well as the status of Taylor Bol Bowen (concussion) and Jerry Deng (ankle). Hamilton commented about both on the weekly zoom with ACC football coaches this morning.

"I think Taylor will be prepared for the next game," Hamilton said. "I’m not sure about Jerry Deng. He’s not back 100 percent. Still having a little swelling in his ankle. It's kind of interesting that we've had to deal with that, but I think hopefully that has made us a little stronger, a little more focused, realize how fragile things can be. Hopefully we'll be able to come back together and play well against Wake Forest."

The quality of FSU's depth has been a storyline throughout the year, but that's been magnified in January and February with various injuries. Chandler Jackson and AJ Swinton also missed games, although both have returned.

I'll have some more notes tomorrow ahead of the Wake game.

FSU beach volleyball hosts Garnet and gold scrimmage on Saturday

FSU sports information:

Fans will have their first opportunity to see the 2025 Florida State beach volleyball team on Saturday as the Seminoles will host their annual Garnet and Gold Scrimmage at 4 p.m. The gates will open at 3 p.m. and admission to the event is free.

The Seminoles are coming off a 31-8 season, securing their seventh CCSA championship and recording a perfect 13-0 home record – the first in program history. Coach Brooke Niles enters her 10th season with Florida State with a 263-61 record, making her the winningest coach in NCAA beach volleyball history. In 2024, Niles won her second CCSA Coach of the Year honor.

FSU returns three CCSA first-team All-Conference performers in Alexis Durish, Audrey Koenig and Anna Long. Durish enjoyed a breakout year in 2024, winning 29 matches on four courts, and a CCSA Pair of the Tournament award. Koenig finished 2024 with a 30-8 record primarily on court two. Long accumulated a 21-7 record in 2024 as she won 20 consecutive matches across four courts. The trio largely contributed to the Seminoles’ success that saw another conference title and an appearance in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament.

Florida State will open the 2025 season on Feb. 21 in the Beach Burg Invitational in Hattiesburg, Miss., against North Alabama at 11:40 a.m.
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