Florida State continues to build its future with both talent and tradition in mind, and the latest commitment is a clear reflection of that philosophy. The Seminoles have landed 3-star linebacker Noah LaVallee, a high-upside prospect who also carries the added legacy of being the younger brother of current Florida State linebacker Caleb LaVallee. This family connection makes the moment even more special, but beyond the storyline of two brothers sharing the same locker room, there is a growing belief that Noah is bringing his own unique impact and skill set to Tallahassee—one that could help shape the Seminoles’ defense in the coming years.
Noah LaVallee may not be the highest-ranked recruit on paper, but his trajectory, work ethic, and physical tools have impressed coaches across the Southeast. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing around 215 pounds, he’s a compact but explosive player who diagnoses plays quickly, flies to the ball with urgency, and thrives in both run-stopping and pass coverage situations. His film shows a linebacker who plays with a chip on his shoulder—someone who refuses to be overshadowed and whose motor never stops. For Florida State, adding a player like that in the middle of its defense is about more than just filling a position—it’s about sustaining a culture of toughness, intensity, and relentless effort.
There’s no question that the family dynamic played a role in Noah’s decision, but it would be a mistake to chalk his commitment up solely to brotherly loyalty. This is a player who had other opportunities, with schools across the region showing serious interest. However, the pull of Florida State was strong—not just because his brother is already part of the team, but because the program is on the rise. Under head coach Mike Norvell, the Seminoles have regained national relevance, showcasing a hard-nosed defense and a commitment to player development. That’s exactly the kind of environment Noah was looking for.
For the LaVallee family, this is a dream scenario. Having two sons playing together at a powerhouse program like Florida State is rare and special. It’s the type of moment families in the world of football dream about for years—sons wearing the same jersey, representing the same school, learning and growing side by side. For Caleb, having his younger brother on the roster means more than shared DNA—it means shared goals, shared struggles, and shared triumphs. And for Noah, it means stepping into a program where he already has someone in his corner, someone who knows what it takes to succeed at this level and who can guide him through the early learning curve that comes with college football.
Florida State fans are understandably excited about this addition. While some may focus on star rankings, the reality is that FSU’s coaching staff has consistently found value in players who fly under the radar but bring the right mindset and coachability. Noah fits that mold perfectly. He’s not just a fill-in-the-blank linebacker—he’s a tone-setter, a guy who loves to hit, and someone who studies the game obsessively. In a sport where attitude can be just as important as athleticism, Noah brings both in full.
This also reflects the type of recruiting class Norvell and his staff are assembling. They’re not just chasing rankings or headlines; they’re building something that fits. There’s a clear identity being formed in Tallahassee—one built around hard-nosed, fundamentally sound football, anchored by players who buy into the bigger picture. In that context, the addition of Noah LaVallee makes perfect sense. He’s a system fit, a cultural fit, and a long-term investment with plenty of upside.
Beyond his on-field traits, Noah is known for being a leader off the field. Coaches have spoken about his discipline, maturity, and the way teammates rally around him. He brings intensity without ego—a rare balance that coaches crave. In high school, he was the heart of his team’s defense and frequently the vocal leader in the locker room. That leadership quality is something Florida State values highly, particularly in linebackers, who serve as the communicators and emotional anchors of the defense.
When asked about his commitment, Noah expressed excitement and humility. He spoke about the chance to play alongside his brother, the pride he feels in joining such a storied program, and his readiness to compete for a role as soon as he sets foot on campus. That competitive fire is evident in every aspect of his game. He’s not expecting anything to be handed to him. He’s coming to Tallahassee with the intent to earn it—to learn, grind, and grow under the guidance of the coaching staff and the example set by veteran players, including his brother.
The timing of the commitment also works well for Florida State’s overall recruiting strategy. As programs around the country jockey for position in the 2025 recruiting cycle, FSU is building momentum. Getting a player like Noah locked in early provides stability and sends a message to other recruits: this is a place where you can develop, thrive, and be part of something bigger. The message is even stronger when it comes from a recruit who knows the inside of the program already—who’s seen firsthand how players are treated, how they’re coached, and how they’re supported.
Caleb LaVallee’s presence at Florida State has already been a success story in the making. He’s made his mark as a tenacious, team-first player who’s earned respect through effort. Now, his younger brother gets the chance to carve his own path—one that might mirror Caleb’s in some ways but will also be uniquely his own. That’s part of what makes this so exciting for Florida State fans. They’re not just welcoming another LaVallee to the team; they’re embracing a new chapter, one with its own promise and potential.
There’s something poetic about the idea of two brothers lining up for the same defense, pushing each other in practice, holding each other accountable, and celebrating each other’s successes. Football is often described as a brotherhood, and in this case, it literally is. For Noah, having a familiar face already inside the program might make the transition smoother, but it also raises the bar. The expectations are clear, and he knows what it takes to live up to the standard Florida State sets for its linebackers.
That standard is not an easy one. Florida State has a rich history at the linebacker position, with legendary names and NFL talent peppered throughout its past. From Derrick Brooks to Telvin Smith, the bar is high. But that’s what Noah LaVallee wants. He isn’t looking for shortcuts or easy praise. He wants to be part of something real. Something earned. And Florida State is offering him the platform to chase that vision.
For Seminole fans, this is more than just another recruit—it’s a win for the culture, a boost to the future, and a story worth following. The LaVallee brothers represent a new age of Florida State football—where family, toughness, and tradition intersect with a forward-thinking program hungry for national prominence. With Noah now in the fold, the defense gets deeper, the locker room gets stronger, and the story gets even better.
This commitment may not have lit up the national recruiting radar the way a 5-star announcement might, but that doesn’t matter to Florida State. What matters is the fit. What matters is the fire. And Noah LaVallee checks every box. From his physical skills to his mental makeup to the family ties that now run even deeper in Tallahassee, he’s the kind of player who might quietly become a key piece of Florida State’s resurgence.
As the Seminoles prepare for the seasons ahead, the commitment of Noah LaVallee is one more sign that this program is building from the inside out. Brick by brick, family by family, they are constructing something special. And for Noah, the journey is just beginning. But with a brother beside him, a program behind him, and a fanbase ready to welcome him, there’s no limit to what he can become in garnet and gold.
