Florida State’s 2025 recruiting class appears to be on shaky ground, with the program ranked just 44th nationally, according to 247Sports Composite rankings. Struggling through a disastrous 1-9 season, the Seminoles face challenges on multiple fronts, making it difficult to focus on the future while wrapping up the 2024 campaign with games against Charleston Southern and Florida.
Head coach Mike Norvell has weathered adversity before, surviving tough stretches after the 2020 and 2021 seasons. However, the 2024 season has been a significant disappointment in his fifth year, far below the high standard expected at Florida State. Despite calls for change, Norvell’s $65 million buyout, combined with ongoing stadium renovations, a football-only facility project, and the program’s legal battle with the conference, makes firing him an unlikely option.
Recruiting woes deepened this week as three-star offensive lineman Daniel Pierre Louis flipped his commitment to Florida, while four-star defensive tackle Kevin Wynn received a crystal ball prediction favoring South Carolina. To complicate matters, four-star running back Byron Louis has scheduled an official visit to Florida this weekend, as the Gators host Ole Miss.
Florida has gained significant recruiting momentum after a home win against LSU, further complicating Florida State’s efforts. Preseason expectations had suggested the Seminoles might capitalize on Gators head coach Billy Napier’s uncertain position, but Florida’s recent success has flipped the narrative.
With high school recruiting faltering, it seems Norvell has shifted his focus to the transfer portal for immediate reinforcements. Whether this strategy will yield success remains to be seen, but it marks a critical pivot for a program looking to regain its footing.
