Florida State football’s recruiting efforts in the state of Florida have surged to the forefront of national attention as the Seminoles assert their dominance early in the 2025 recruiting cycle. With six of our Top 100 in-state prospects already pledged to FSU, Mike Norvell and his staff are sending a clear message to the rest of the country: the Seminoles are not just back—they’re building for long-term success by locking down their home turf.
In a state that has long been a hotbed for elite football talent, competition for top recruits is fierce. With perennial powers like Florida, Miami, Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, and others routinely dipping into the Sunshine State, securing elite local talent requires relentless effort, strategic relationships, and a winning product. FSU has checked every one of those boxes so far.
Landing six of our Top 100 prospects from Florida is a testament to the strong relationships Norvell and his assistants have built in high school hallways and living rooms across the state. It also reflects the buy-in from prospects who believe in the Seminoles’ trajectory. Coming off a season where Florida State re-established itself as a powerhouse, going undefeated in the regular season and earning an ACC title, the program is reaping the rewards in recruiting.
Among the most notable pledges is five-star linebacker Jacorey Thomas out of Miami Central. The 6-foot-2, 225-pound dynamo is widely regarded as one of the most instinctive and versatile defenders in the country. Thomas chose FSU over Miami, Georgia, and Alabama, citing Norvell’s defensive vision and player development record as key reasons behind his commitment. His ability to play sideline-to-sideline, blitz off the edge, and drop into coverage makes him a modern prototype linebacker—and a foundational piece of FSU’s 2025 class.
Another major coup was landing elite cornerback Tavion Grant from Lakeland. At 6 feet tall and 180 pounds, Grant has speed, length, and lockdown instincts that coaches covet in today’s pass-heavy game. He turned down offers from the Gators, Hurricanes, and Buckeyes to wear garnet and gold. Grant’s commitment signifies a win over Florida, both literally and symbolically, as Lakeland is a Gator stronghold. Stealing top talent from UF’s backyard is exactly the type of recruiting flex that energizes a fanbase and worries rival coaching staffs.
Offensively, the Seminoles also struck gold with wide receiver Zaquan Mitchell out of Fort Lauderdale. Mitchell, a four-star prospect and one of the fastest risers in the class, brings elite separation ability and field-stretching speed. With Florida State’s offense gaining national attention for its explosive playmakers and balanced scheme, Mitchell envisions himself as the next great Seminole wideout. His early pledge not only boosts the 2025 class but could help attract a top-tier quarterback to join him in Tallahassee.
The trenches haven’t been neglected either. FSU secured commitments from two top-tier linemen: offensive tackle Damian Ricks from Jacksonville and defensive tackle Jahari Blount from Tampa. Ricks is a 6-foot-6, 290-pound mountain of a man with a rare blend of agility and power. With offers from Georgia, Michigan, and Oregon, Ricks’ decision to stay in-state and join the Seminoles speaks volumes about FSU’s momentum on the recruiting trail. Blount, meanwhile, is a disruptive interior force who can collapse pockets and stuff the run. His commitment shores up the defensive front and adds depth to a position group that is vital in FSU’s physical brand of football.
The sixth Top 100 prospect to commit is athlete Tyren James, a do-it-all weapon from Orlando who stars at both safety and slot receiver. While his exact college position is yet to be determined, what’s not in question is his athleticism, football IQ, and work ethic. James projects as a future leader and difference-maker, regardless of where he lines up. Programs from coast to coast pursued him, but the Seminoles locked him down early.
This early haul of in-state talent is more than just a number on paper—it represents a seismic shift in the recruiting landscape. For the past decade, Florida State has battled inconsistencies on the field and on the trail. The rise of other programs, coaching changes, and missed opportunities created an opening for outsiders to raid the state. But Norvell’s steady vision, enhanced by on-field success and a strong NIL infrastructure, has revitalized FSU’s image and made Tallahassee a destination again.
What stands out about this group is not only their ranking but their cultural fit. These are prospects who bring toughness, high motors, and leadership traits. Many have cited FSU’s team-first mentality and player empowerment culture as key reasons for choosing the Seminoles. That’s a direct result of the locker room culture Norvell has curated—a culture where development is prioritized, voices are heard, and winning is the standard.
Another factor in FSU’s success has been the emphasis on continuity. Norvell has maintained consistency on his coaching staff, allowing relationships to deepen and evaluations to be more precise. Recruits notice when they hear the same voices throughout the process, and parents trust staffs that show stability. That trust is paying dividends.
There’s also been a notable uptick in FSU’s presence in 7-on-7 circuits, elite camps, and high school events. The staff’s ability to identify and connect early with future stars has allowed them to build leads that other schools struggle to overcome. While other programs chase momentum, FSU is dictating it.
Of course, holding onto elite early commitments is never easy. The flip game in modern recruiting is real, and schools like Alabama, Georgia, and Florida will continue to test FSU’s resolve. But the Seminoles have created an environment that is hard to walk away from. They’re not selling a dream—they’re selling results, relationships, and real opportunity.
With more visits scheduled, camps on the horizon, and the season looming, Florida State is in position to not just maintain their early lead, but expand it. They’re still in play for several more Top 100 in-state prospects, including five-star running back Keon Riley, four-star linebacker Mateo Brooks, and dynamic safety Evan Lattimore. If even two of those three end up in garnet and gold, this could be FSU’s best in-state class in over a decade.
And that might only be the beginning.
Winning in recruiting is about more than just talent accumulation. It’s about message, momentum, and identity. Florida State has found its voice again—and it’s resonating loudly in Florida high schools.
There was a time not long ago when some wondered if the Seminoles could reclaim their spot atop the state’s recruiting hierarchy. Miami and Florida had momentum. Out-of-state programs were cherry-picking stars. The fence around Florida was torn down. But now, Norvell and his staff are rebuilding that fence, one elite commitment at a time.
Florida State’s early in-state dominance isn’t just a headline—it’s a harbinger. This program is no longer chasing relevance. It’s commanding it. And with a pipeline of homegrown stars buying into the vision, the Seminoles aren’t just poised to compete—they’re building a foundation to win championships.
The 2025 class is already strong, and the calendar hasn’t even hit summer. For a program that once dominated the state under legends like Bobby Bowden and Jimbo Fisher, this feels familiar. This feels powerful. And this feels like the start of something even bigger.
